Things You Should Know About. Now!

Today is One Day Without Shoes, an annaul event conceived and created by TOMS shoes to remind people that not everyone in the world is fortunate enough to own a pair of shoes. Whether you'll take the challenge by walking barefoot around your office, the streets, or wherever you may find yourself today, it serves as a good reminder that those of us with a closet full of shoes are very fortunate indeed. In case you're not familiar with TOMS, for every shoe that is purchased, a pair is sent overseas to a child in need. I'm such a huge fan of TOMS shoes that I bestowed them upon my bridesmaids as a thank-you gift at my wedding. Not only do I believe in the cause, but choosing the right pair for each girl was so much fun!

I recently watched an Iranian film entitled Children of Heaven, in which a small boy loses his sister's only pair of shoes. They then have to share his worn pair shoes while trying to conceal from their father that her shoes are missing. It's a very endearing story. I'd like to think that eventually he got himself a nice pair of (complimentary) TOMS!

Here are a couple of TOMS styles that I love. I saw a girl at the airport this week rocking the wedges; they looked awesome! She had them on with a straight-legged pair of jeans, but they would go with bootcut or skinnies too. I shamelessly wear my TOMS with just about everything.  

Thread Show (this weekend!)

For you San Francisco folk, this Sunday is the Thread show at the Metreon. Thread events showcase local designers and cutting edge fashion. Shop, sip cocktails, enjoy beats from the DJ...and don't forget to take advantage of the clothing swap! Be sure to RSVP on the web site if you plan to go. Hope to see you there!

Balenciaga and Spain at the de Young Museum

The de Young houses some amazing fashion exhibits, and the new Balenciaga and Spain show promises to be no exception. Running through July 4, 2011, the exhibition highlights the influence of Spanish culture on the masterful designer Cristobal Balenciaga. The show was curated by Hamish Bowles, which to me, adds an additional layer of intrigue. Has anyone seen it yet? I'd love to hear about it if you have!

Business Travel--Part 1

It's Sunday night, and first thing in the morning I'm off for my 2nd business trip in as many weeks. Knowing that I only had 3 days at home, I didn't even bother to unpack this weekend! So as per usual, I got home tonight after a day filled with Bay Area fun (miniature golf, the movies, a lobster roll at Sam's Chowder House, mmmmm...) and ran straight into the bedroom for my pre-trip ritual: digging in my closet and playing dress up until half my wardrobe is on the floor (I decided to blog about it rather than pick it up! Procrastination is under-rated). It got me thinking--can I put together some tips on travel wear? I travel so frequently for work that I consider myself to be a business travel expert packer. There's so much to consider: different climates, fabric wrinkling, the extreme temperatures on the plane, SHOES! It has taken me years to learn how to bring fewer pairs of shoes than days of travel... pathetic, I know. But now I start with the shoes (I try to just bring one work shoe, possibly a travel shoe, and my running shoes) and go from there. I'm traveling to a warm climate tomorrow which means all of my neglected summery clothes have been vying for my attention. It's wonderful that I get to wear my peep-toe shoes and pretty blouses, but it's hard to narrow it down! I want to wear it all!

Anyhow, back to the shoes...a wise choice of shoe is a comfortable one, especially if you're planning to walk a lot or you're on your feet for long periods of time. Now, comfort does not need to be synonomous with ugly, I promise! I frequently notice when scoping out other ladies' outfits in the hotel elevator that so many women are still stuck on pointy-toed stiletto heels. Really? There are so many flats, round-toe, thicker heel (or wedge) shoes that look just as sexy and/or powerful as any pointy toe. I know, Stacy and Clinton always tell you a pointy toe gives a longer line and makes your legs look longer... but notice in the last few years they've stopped saying that? Because there are so many other options!

I will post some travel outfits this week, but for now I'll let you ponder shoes...and here are a few delights that fit my above criteria (all descriptions are linked in case you want to buy!).

Until later in the week... ciao!




Sam Edelman Ionia in Flamingo Pink $110



Sam Edelman Wynonna in Antique Gold-Sale $160

Bandolino Jenay $72

Seychelles Aquamarine $72

Kate Spade New York Karolina in Strawberry Patent $298

Seychelles Pot of Gold $90

MICHAEL Michael Kors Tonne Bootie $185

Tory Burch Sylvia Linen Pump $325

Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo - You don't want to know the price on this one ($795)

Skirts to Swoon Over

Did you get the memo?  

BRIGHTS ARE IN!! Dreamy corals, bright oranges, electric blues, hooray! It's so easy to fall into the trap of wearing black and gray all the time....I haven't seen too many signs of spring yet, but that's no reason not to add a little spring to your wardrobe! Here are a few (cheery) skirts to spice up your wardrobe. 

  

Lily White Banded Skirt $22

Wear this with tights and black booties until you can bare your gams. This would look great with a tucked in tank and a boyfriend jacket or even a plain black tee.



Mac & Jac slim floral skirt $45



  

 

 

Illuminated Pyramid Skirt $39.99

 

BB Dakota Blue Moon Skirt $39.99 (sale!)





MARC BY MARC JACOBS Mimi Skirt



Alice + Olivia Printed Layer Skirt $220

Eye Candy

Emma Watson shooting a commercial for Lancome. I need this outfit. Stat.
(from http://omg.yahoo.com/)

Frankly, I could do without Madonna's outfit, althought I guess she deserves props for pushing the envelope. Her daugher Lourdes, however, is killing it. Her look is age appropriate, but women of any age could wear that dress. Gorgeous!

(from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/)

Lake Bell in a gorgeous Basil Soda dress.

(from http://omg.yahoo.com/)

Rachel Roy looking tres chic!

(from Vogue.com)

Check out this Water for Elephants trailer. The costumes (particularly Reese Witherspoon's) are stunning!