April 23, 2013

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shoe Strategy

Inspiration: Oscar de la Renta





Today's inspiration photo is like an assault on my eyes, but I like it. I thought - hey, why not try toning it down, so I added nude pumps and left the pom poms off my blazer. That still felt a little wild, so I grabbed a basic tee with a light blue print that matches my jeans. Now I was happy and could see myself wearing it for a lunch meeting. And taking it a step further -  the last one with sandals is even more true to real life and what you would find me wearing for errands. 

Also, my shoe strategy: buy nude sandals that can be a casual replacement for nude pumps. The idea being that anything I normally wear with nude pumps, I should be able to slip on the sandals and have them match that outfit. What makes a sandal suited to replace a nude pump? I think two things: 1. There has to be some substance/weight to shoe - so a strap around the ankle, or a slight wedge. 2. The material has to be "dressy," so nude patent leather and gold accents is what I usually go for. All of the sandals below I think make great replacements - which pair is your favorite? Which version of today's outfit do you like best? 

Jeans: Forever 21, $16
Blazer: H&M, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Blue shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similarsimilar)
White shirt: Gap, $3 (similarsimilar)
Heels: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Flats: Dolce Vita c/o DNA Footwear, $65
Purse: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Nine West  /  BCBGeneration  /  Dolce Vita
Nine West  /  Sol Sana  /  Report
Boutique 9  /  Unlisted  /   Boutique 9

34 comments:

  1. I think I'm partial to the nude pumps! :)
    http://chaoticdomestic.blogspot.com

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  2. I agree, while the first outfit matched the inspiration photo perfectly it's a little loud for 'real life' but the toned down look with the t-shirt is adorable. I love an outfit that can be transformed by a simple shoe change, nude sandals are a must for summer! I love the BCBG, Report and Boutique 9 sandals!

    http://simpleeasystyle.blogspot.com/

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  3. great look! love the first look, but it almost hurts my eyes it's so vivid. :)

    kw, ladies in navy

    Zara giveaway

    Gap/Old Navy Giveaway

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  4. I have similar sandals in black (mine have a small wedge - like half an inch) from last summer and love them - I'm glad they're still in style/popular - I don't want to look soooo last season, ha!
    Do your sandals have a stiletto heel? I don't see one, but it looks like your standing on a heel - I feel like the strap between the toes would be uncomfortable!

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  5. That blue is stunning on you! You should've kept to the original version of the ensemble - sure, it "assaults" the eye (excellent word, btw!) but in a damn good way. The pic hit me a mile away when I pulled it up on my reader.


    And because I am a woeful procrastinator when it comes to pedicures, I tend to pick footwear with minimal foot nudity involved. Thus, I prefer choices 1, 6 and 8. Would've put 4 on the list but the color does not suit my skin tone. ;p


    www.myclosetcatalogue.com

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  6. I LOVE shoe #8 (unlisted) they are soooo cute. I may have to place an order.

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  7. See - maybe this is where I'm going wrong - I would probably have amped the look up :-S

    ♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
    http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Love your outfit J. Very pretty.

    Don't forget to enter my stella & dot giveaway and join me this thursday April 25 for my link up.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

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  9. I love both versions of the outfit (great inspo!) but I have to say, I think I like the version with the sandals more! Those Boutique 9 ones look perfect!

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  10. Ditto on the heel, is looks like you're either wearing a small heel or you're standing on your toes in a lot of your pictures!

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  11. I love both versions of this outfit. An outfit that would easily transition from day to night.

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  12. You look way better than that model. FYI. :-)

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  13. Ashley, the black ones sound cute, I say go for it! :-) And I'm wearing flat sandals. If I stand flat you can't really see much of the shoe, like the straps across the top of my feet. There is a link to the exact shoe in the caption if you are ever curious!

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  14. I'm wearing flat sandals. If I stand flat you can't really see much of the shoe, like the straps across the top of my feet. There is a link to the exact shoe in the caption if you are ever curious!

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  15. The white T & nude shoes definitely help/complete the look! :)

    julia
    www.livingoninspiration.com

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  16. I have some nude sandals and agree that they're a perfect substitute for nude pumps during warmer months. Mine are heeled though; I think I'd like a lower heeled pair as well.

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  17. The second look gets my vote! And so do the Report sandals.

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  18. I love looking at the runway! I really like how vibrant the pants are, the whole outfit is so bright!

    emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

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  19. Love the final outfit! Really need to get myself a pair of nude pumps and sandals!

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  20. oh, got it! Sounds uncomfortable- the things bloggers do for their readers!

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  21. I like the middle look the best! As for the shoes, the 1st and 4th are my picks. Also, love the blue wristlet in the last look.

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  22. Great color combo! Now I want jeans that color :)

    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
    www.daisyraeboutique.com

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  23. Hi J! I'm all about finding deals and thought that you or other readers might enjoy this link! These sandals are almost identical to the the ones that you are wearing but only $18!

    http://www.lulus.com/products/city-classified-elaine-nude-patent-and-gold-thong-sandals/93354.html

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  24. I love the nude sandals you picked. Great advice! Also, I'm not normally a fan of so much color, but I actually like your first look best. The solid blue creates a long, lean line and almost functions as a neutral to me.

    Cassie
    http://stylecassentials.blogspot.com

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  25. I love everything about the inspiration photo, and your first look! Great colors together!

    Have a lovely day! xx Pip

    http://easyoutfitsbypip.blogspot.com

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  26. I've been searching for the perfect pair of nude sandals myself! Have yet to find the perfect pair, but I love all of your options! Love your blog!

    Xo, Amanda

    theamandakathryn.blogspot.com

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  27. loving the color combination! great style!


    lifeisashoe.blogspot.com

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  28. I love each one of your three outfits, particularly the last one, i.e., the all blue-and-white one!! Your segment on "MONOCHROMATIC Blues," (in your 2/3/12 post), was great; however, you particularly *r.o.c.k.* blue-and-WHITE outfits, J. ............ maybe (?) someday you'll even have enough (blue-and-white outfits) for a Flashback Friday's worth!!

    Your nude-colored thong sandals----(and actually any nude-colored shoes!!)----reminds me of sand at the beach; and then having *fun*............ just walking barefoot in the sand!! The metal hardware, metallic finishes, and/or glitter accents ON most of the (Above) #9 featured sandals~~including yours!!~~almost make these sandals seem like *jewelry for your feet*!! On your sandals, the golden metal TUBE on the vamp strap............ and the golden metal kick PLATE at the toe............ are really *classy*!! I sincerely hope the metal~~(directly a.g.a.i.n.s.t. the skin of your feet, J.)~~doesn't heat up too much in the beautiful Florida sunshine; and............ burn your feet, though!!

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  29. Love the nude sandals, but I am not tan.... I am pale and the littlest bit of pressure and my feet start looking shades of pink and red and purple.... So I was wondering if you had any suggestions for us pink toned gals.....

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  30. I love the blue skinnies with just the whit t-shirt. So cool and chic! Great idea about the nude pumps as well. I never thought of that before, and it's such a simple idea.

    www.trendyrevels.com

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  31. I guess I'm not into sandals like that. :-/ not sure what I'd like? You're making me think. Lol.

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  32. The Boutique 9 on the lower left are super cute. Thanks for the link! And great post advice

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  33. While the Oscar de la Renta's look may not be your cup of tea, I think it's very insulting for you to describe his creations as "an assault on your eyes" when he's a household name. Of course, you retract your insult (like you usually do) with "but, I like it." I don't know why you constantly buy cheap and disposable clothing that make you look like you shop in the juniors department. Why not pool your funds together and splurge on a few high quality, well-tailored pieces instead instead of trying to buy every possible top and bottom out there? Seriously, you waste so much money on cheap clothes when you don't have to. You also have a few photos where the tag is visible, which makes you look so disingenuous. Do you buy the clothes, feature them on your blog in hopes of making money off your affiliate links, and then return them? How is this not different from your ripping on other bloggers about "posing in fields" when all you do is pose in the clothes and then return them. And for someone who blogs full time, why don't you use that time to work on your poses to make them look natural instead of popping out your leg out. What's up with posting the same photos twice? I can't believe no one else has brought that up before.

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  34. I think it's shady how you don't abide by your comment policy. I was trying to create open discussion and you deleted my comment because I wasn't fawning over your outfit. I was stating my opinion about how it was insulting for you to describe Oscar De La Renta's creations (who is a household name in the fashion industry) as an "assault on your eyes."

    I was suggesting you pool your funds together to buy quality and tailored pieces instead of spending it on cheap and fast fashion -- nothing wrong with that. Even when people mention how you look stiff in your poses, you become so defensive. If I was a full time blogger, I would at least work on looking more natural. And, for goodness sake, there are photos on your blog of you wearing things with tags on. It makes you look disingenuous, like you're buying things to feature them on your blog so you can make money off your affiliate links and then returning them.

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