spring shoe shopping

Last weekend I sipped a $12 Bud Light and swayed along to the twangy tunes of Eric Church at his Chicago concert. Some of his music is way too hoedown/honkey tonk for me, but some is so, SO good—and the "Springsteen" finale made the whole thing a hit. Mid-way through this week, I can't let it go and am still listening to a few favorites on my commute! I wore my trusty brown ankle boots to the show (the closest I come to cowboy boots), but am hoping it was one of the last times I need socks and so much coverage. As spring slowwwwwly starts to show its face, I'm slowly assembling new warm-weather footwear to replace my beat-up, salt-stained winter styles. First on the list are Steve Madden low wedges. I've worn my current pair ragged and am happy to replace it with a clean nude. A modest 2.5" heel makes this THE most versatile shoe in my closet—enough height for night, unassuming enough for day, and so comfortable! Because of how much I wear my Maddens, I want to invest in a similar style. The Seychelles have essentially the same look, with cool braided detail and a soft seafoam shade that adds interest without being too wild to work with most of my wardrobe. Because there are days I just want to be on solid ground, I need a pair of flats—the Olson's studs, T-strap and flashy color compensate for its vertical challenges. Mules are having a moment—enough said. A block heel keeps these daytime-appropriate and the colored woven upper is super summery and fun. Gold hardware and espadrille trim give a more refined feel to the sporty MK sneakers, which makes me comfortable wearing them even to work (unlike some of the super-athletic, bulkier New Balances and Nikes). Finally, this time of year is all about comfort, and black matte Birkenstocks offer that AND fashion cred. I can see myself wearing them everywhere from grocery runs to casual happy hours. What open-toe styles (and country songs!) are you busting out as temperatures rise?

SHOP THE EDIT

Steve Madden Wedges | Seychelles Wedges

Halogen Flats | J.Crew Mules

Michael Kors Sneakers | Birkenstock Sandals


Here's a little clip from the concert!

shopping list 4

Since I'm not going to a huge New Year's Eve bash next week, it seems silly to cover myself in sequins (and even if I were, that's not necessarily my style). But a little extra flair is fun and appropriate. Makeup and nail polish with extra sparkle and shine kick up a low-key night without it looking like you fell into a snow globe. I've used Bobbi Brown's shimmer brick for years (first to complete my butterfly costume for Carnival in Cádiz in 2009, but since, much more pedestrian occasions)— and layering the complementary shadow shades really makes my eyes stand out. Plus, the compact lasts forever. L'Occitane's cherry blossom lotion leaves a pretty floral scent and iridescent finish that will make you look and feel radiant, and you can't go wrong with a megawatt manicure. Shop all of my picks for a sparkly 2014 send-off below!

SHOP THE BOARD

1 | Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Color

2 | Steve Madden Pumps 3 | Smashbox Highlighting Powder

4 | L'Occitane Shimmering Lotion 5 | Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

6 | Shimmer Body Mist 7 | Glitter Bobby Pin Set

8 | Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss 9 | Beaded Top (make it a matching set)

10 | Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner 11 | Michael Kors Pave Drop Earrings

12 | Cage Minaudiere Clutch

shopping list 3

I've been using the same makeup forever. It's an easy routine and a versatile look, but I recently had the urge to throw everything out in favor of new recruits. I wasn't loving anything in my collection (foundation felt a little off, never replaced my favorite shadow when it ran dry months ago..) and I want to start 2015 off feeling my best. I'm so in love with these rich shadows, the perfectly subtle bronzer and the refreshingly light foundation that enhances, rather than masks, my naked skin. The dent in my credit card is a little painful, but it still feels so good to clear the clutter and have fresh, pretty products in my arsenal as we flip the calendar. Are you overhauling anything as December winds down?

SHOP THE BOARD

FACE | The best beauty looks start with good skin, 
so I invest most of my time, effort and dollars here.
1 | Smashbox Photo Finish Primer for a smooth canvas.
2 | NARS Sheer Glow Foundation for buildable coverage and a satin finish—
make sure to test on your jawline (great shades for fair tones!).
3 | MAKE UP FOR EVER Powder Foundation to eliminate midday shine.
4 | Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder for dimensional color in one compact
(go only a shade darker than your natural skintone).

EYES | Some people overlook eye shadow, but I think 
it makes a huge difference in opening, brightening and defining.
6, 7, 8 | Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Matte in Sandcastle (for low-key weekends),
Coffee Break and Morning Mocha (for work and nights out).
5 | NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is key to making color last.
9 | Sephora Collection 12hr Wear Waterproof Eye Pencil stays puts like a liquid,
but has a softer look I'm comfortable wearing even during the day
(an insane range of colors and at only $10 a pop, you can afford to get some fun ones!). 
10 | NARS Brow Perfector fills in sparse areas and creates a refined shape with natural texture.

LIPS | Keeping it fresh and minimal! 
11 | tarte Maracuja Exfoliant is a total treat for a tortured winter kisser,
scrubbing away dryness and restoring softness.
12 | Dior Créme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm
is an indulgent but natural-looking moisturizer—with a pretty scent!

shopping list 2

Did you stay up late last night watching Election Day results roll in? I did—it's always exciting to see how people's opinions and priorities manifest in candidates across the country. Whether you identify with the Republican or Democrat party (and are celebrating or sobbing this morning), holiday parties are something everyone can enjoy without debate this time of year. Jumpsuits are my favorite thing to wear for all of the season's festive events, from coworker cocktail parties to Christmas Eve itself. They're modern and trendy, so easy (just add jewelry), and more laid-back and versatile than dresses. Despite looking sleek and modestly sexy (depending on the neckline), they have this effortless vibe that I am all about, and you can recycle them for dates and dinners throughout the year more readily than a sparkly shift. I wore a black jumpsuit for New Year's Eve last year (and got a kiss) and plan to pick up a couple more to cap off 2014—most likely THIS ONE (love the dropped armholes and crossed back) and THIS ONE (the simple cami straps are perfect!). Which ones get your vote? Happy party planning!

SHOP THE BOARD

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

5 | 6 | 7 | 8

shopping list 1

I don't spend too much time on Pinterest, and—try not to laugh—just recently created a "buy" board for clothes, beauty products and home goods that I actually plan to purchase (separate from the strictly inspirational fashion looks, painted faces and entertaining spaces I pin). Genius. It's so much easier to maintain my ever-evolving wish list digitally than with old-fashioned pen and paper. This season, the board helped me sift through an assortment of moto-inspired jackets and sweaters just right for transitional temperatures. The style fluidly blends edge and comfort. It's a piece I've wanted to invest in for some time—cooler and more casual than a blazer, but something you can similarly wear just about everywhere. The tweed and leather Rebecca Taylor (5) is pretty nearly perfect, I love the exaggerated draping on pick 3, and the Piperlime Collection coated version (1) has a luxe appearance for retailing under $200. But I've narrowed myself down to the styles that look most natural both indoors and out (more bang for your buck!): Anthropologie's sweater-knit paneled jacket (4) and the cotton contrast-sleeve jacket (7) do it best. Pick one for yourself because whatever you've got going this weekend—cocktails, apple orchard, Gone Girl (I'm planning on all three)—the Moto Jacket's revved up for the ride.

SHOP THE BOARD: 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

5 | 6 | 7 | 8