May 23, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Shoes















































I'm loving the mixing stripes trend so much, and was thankful for this J.Crew photo which inspired me to try it in a new way. I paired my navy striped blazer with a 5+year old striped collared shirt and navy pencil skirt. I love this idea for work - the mixed stripes are trendy, but subdued. I originally tried my go-to nude pumps but I've been wearing them so much, I wanted to try something different, plus these shoes haven't gotten some love in almost a year. White shoes are a tad tricky for me - I certainly don't subscribe to the Labor Day rules when it comes to white jeans (I think they are equally at home in the winter), but white shoes I'm a little more careful with. I don't think the exact date is important, but I only wear them during the hottest months, usually between May-September. Curious to hear what you think! Are white shoes a faux pas? Do you follow any Labor Day rules?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Blazer: Express c/o MJR Sales, $30 (similar, similar)
Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, old (similar)
Navy skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Banana Republic, $25
Rings: LOFT pink ring $11, My Stella & Dot website $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39




1. Chinese Laundry wedges, $55.30
2. Michael Antonio wedges, $49
3. Aldo pumps, $29.98
4. Loehmann's sandals, $39.99





I also want to invite you guys to join me at Bloomingdale's at Mall at Millenia in Orlando tomorrow (Thursday, May 24) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store is launching their Karen Millen shop for the first time, and I will be at your service along with two other stylists to help you shop. If you live in the area, I hope you will come by and say hello!

41 comments:

  1. J,
    I totally agree that white shoes are somewhat summerish, especially here in Germany where winter months can get really cold  and wet! I feel the same way about white handbags. But in the summer either combined with  contrasting black or navy or with most bright summer colours  ( like aqua or coral -> my fav this year) white just makes such a beautiful frame to show of your tan and to just get you in the summer mood!

    I really feel the comination of stripes in your version of the J. Crew photo, it looks classic but with a little extra twist!

    Love from germany
    Sandra

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  2. Love the blazer and I don't think white shoes are a faux pas :-)

    Maria

    www.daintyanddecadent.com

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  3. Funny, I just had a conversation about white shoes with a co-worker yesterday.  White shoes are one of those things I love on everyone else, but do not like on me.  I always feel like I'm wearing nurses shoes.  Of course, I know that's just in my head, but it's something I want to get over.  One of my goals this summer is to find a white pair for myself.

    Those look fabulous on you, by the way!

    <3 Jenny
    www.crazystylelove.com

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  4. Love your stripes combo - so classy!  I don't follow any rules with white or any other colors.  Since it's pretty much summer in the South for like 10 months, I think white can fly the majority of the time!

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  5. i didn't even know there was a thing about white shoes. i'm so clueless :)

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  6. I'm a fan of this.  I remember these white heels you paired last year with white jeans and I think a navy/white cardigan.  It was one of my favorites.  I loved the shoes so much that I bought a similar pair (w/ wedge, not heel) this spring.

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  7. According to Stacy (of What Not To Wear), the Labor Day rule is out.  I never followed it, I love white and wear it year round.

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  8. If it is warm outside then I think it is okay to wear white shoes.  I have been wearing white shoes, pants, skirts, shorts since early April when the weather warmed up where I live.

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  9. Love it! I agree, I generally don't pull out my favorite white wedges until April-May when the weather gets warmer. I love doing all-white combos, as well as mixing them with pastels and the hottest color of the season: coral/orange! There are so many ways to make them look non-Easter-ish. ;) 

    www.navynwhite.blogspot.com

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  10. I don't currently own white shoes, but I think the strict "only wear between Easter and Labor Day" rule is outdated.  It's based on some old Southern etiquette rules.

    I think the key is to wear seasonally-appropriate clothing.  That's why the teens wearing knit hats in the middle of summer or tank tops without a coat in the middle of winter look so bad.  I'm also not a fan of boots with shorts.  If it's warm enough for shorts, it's too warm for boots. 

    In your climate, you can certainly wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day.  Here in the Northeast, September tends to be almost as warm as August so I see no reason to put them away simply because Labor Day has passed.  

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  11. i don't follow ANY labor day rules hahahaa i wear what i want to wear when i want to wear it! you look great, j!

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  12. hottest months are a good rule of thumb. loving the inspiration shot and the outfit!
    -kw, http://ladiesinnavy.blogspot.com

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  13. Constanze SchmittMay 23, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    The outfit looks amazing, love it! ♥

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  14. I don't follow any timeline for wearing white.  Whatever feels appropriate for the day works for me.  White shoes are tough though.  I agree with the previous comment about them often feeling nurse-ish or like an 8yr old going to Easter mass.  They may also not be practical in cold/dreary weather mud or road salt in winter.  So I seem to only wear them as a sandal and during the warmest months as well.  It can be hard to find a pair that works but when you do hang on to them.  Yours look great!

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  15. love this outfit - I have all these pieces so I can't wait to recreate this! :-)

    sarahsavvystyle.blogspot.com

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  16. Those are GREAT white heels!! And at $25 from BR?? Awesome deal. I wear my white heels only in summer months but like to wear my white jeans in the spring and fall too. Love the whole look :-)

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  17. I don't own any white shoes - too hard to keep them clean! - but I never pay attention to the rules of when it's "appropriate" to wear white.  I know this is something our parents' generation had deeply ingrained into them, but I think our generation just finds it silly.  If I were going to a function with a lot of older women, I might be a little more careful about rules of etiquette, but if I'm just running errands or going out with friends, then I'll wear white all the live long day!

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  18. I never follow those rules about wearing white. Wearing white is one of my favorite things to wear with my tan skin so I wear it any time of year I want! : )

    http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

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  19. White shoes worn with black clothing are so in for Fall 2012 and even now it would be good to wear them!  Love my white shoes!  Can't wait to wear them again!!

    http://icetodiamonds.blogspot.com

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  20. I think alexander wang quelled any white shoe disagreement I'd ever had - just wish I could afford a pair!

    ♥ ThankFifi

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  21. Thanks Kelly! I scored them while I was on vacation at the Banana in Boca about 4 years ago! :-)

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  22. Too funny Tiffany! My only fashion rule is that there are no rules, so you are right on track. ;-)

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  23. What a gorgeous mall, I clicked over..had to since Karen Millen is one of my favorite designers! Have fun tomorrow :)  BTW...Love the white shoes!

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  24. Ugh!  I hate white shoes!!  They tend to all look cheap to me no matter how much they cost or what design or brand.  I LOVE white pants, but just have never been a fan of white shoes.  I always think of Minnie Mouse when i see someone in white shoes.  I think your outfit would have looked a lot better w/ the nude shoes you were going to go w/. 

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  25. I drag out all the white clothes and accessories whenever it "feels" like summer herer in MI- sometimes it could start early in the spring or go late into the fall.  I really like white shoes as long as it is a sandal of some kind - bright toenail polish always helps make a good contrast.

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  26. I think wearing any color shoe totally depends on the style/material of whatever it may be. Anything with cork, straw, or linen should be reserved for the warm weather months no matter the color. If you're rocking puffy white North Face boots in the middle of winter, then go for it!

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  27. I used to rock white shoes in high school, the white colored shoes are were very trendy in Eastern Europe, I used to have flats, boots, and high heels!

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  28. I love the mixed stripes! Such a cute look.
    I have to say that I am not a fan of white shoes (except workout sneakers).  I don't even own any and haven't for years, although I do love the little white sandals you have listed. Super cute. I will say that you look great in them, although I would love to see the outfit with a bright pair of shoes - turquoise, yellow, red, fushia?

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  29. Fashionably CluelessMay 23, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    J,

    I'm crazy about stripes! I looked and I must have counted at least 15 striped tops in my dresser.  I also have 6 or 7 button down striped shirts in my closet.  I'm obsessed.  I've been thinking about getting a striped blazer similar to the one you are wearing but I think it might be a splurge on a trendy item that won't be very useful in my wardrobe much past this year.  I know that nautical stripes are always in, you can find them year after year in resort collections but a striped blazer seems like a waste of money.  What do you think?  Will it have lasting power in one's wardrobe? 

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  30. I LOVE this outfit! 

    I don't currently have any white shoes.  I just gave my only pair away.  I'm much more into nude right now. 

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  31. jseverydayfashionMay 23, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    This is an excellent question - I think it largely depends on where you live, because here in Florida blazers aren't nearly as practical as up north. If you live in a colder climate you could definitely get enough good use out of it in one season to make it worth it. (if you wanted to)

    Beyond that, a more "ornate" blazer like this one might be hard to keep for more than a couple years. My black blazer is more than 7 years old, and it's fine. But I'm guessing that this trend will be done-zo in about one more season. You can never know for sure, but that is my guess!

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  32. jseverydayfashionMay 23, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    I couldn't agree with you more that white shoes are tricky. If you notice, the ones I'm wearing and all the ones I posted also contain the color nude/brown. I wouldn't recommend an all-white pair of shoes, unless they were bridal shoes. 

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  33. I share the same feeling about white shoes. I have a few pairs but wear them infrequently for the same reasons mentioned by others. They always look so much cuter on everyone else. I totally feel like a nurse in them!
    I do not Facebook but discovered your blog a few weeks ago and check back daily. I love your style and advice!

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  34. jseverydayfashionMay 23, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Thank you Fergie! Welcome to the blog and I'm so glad you like it! :-)

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  35. I'm originally from Miami (I see you're a fl girl too) so everyday growing up was jean/shorts/flip flops day :)

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  36. Southern girl all the way! White after Easter and never after Labor Day! I own two pairs of white heeled sandals, wore a pair last night. Debating about a wedge heeled purchase.......though not often, white can be the best choice.

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  37. I DO think of them as a faux pas, sorry! Wow, I sooo hate white shoes!! I haven't seen ONE PAIR in my whole life that doesn't look cheap! =/

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  38. I love those shoes. I have a pair that someone gave me. I wear them only 2-3 times from June - Aug.

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