My Monday Mood!

 

This Monday I am in a  

RED shoe kind of mood!

There is nothing like a pretty pair of rich, red patent shoes to elevate a basic outfit.

Sometimes we get so use to wearing basics, and neutrals we forget how a touch of a fabulous colored accessory will just make the outfit.

If you choose to wear this formula remember to only wear the color in one area. 

Don’t try matching your shoes with your purse, with your jewelry, with your belt. I am sure you get my point.

Since I am in a red shoe kind of mood I am going to show you some basic outfits that are elevated with the addition of red shoes……

 

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This is as basic as you can get, jeans, striped tea, trench coat , black purse, and just one touch of color in the red shoe. I love this look!!

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LOVE this look and will definitely be duplicating this once I find the perfect red flat shoes.

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A classic D'Orsay flat is timeless. (I am still on the hunt for some.)

Next I am going to show you an outfit that has the nice addition of red, but they over did it by adding a matching red purse. Just visualize this outfit with a solid simple black purse. IMHO it would be so much better.

DON’T MATCH YOUR SHOES 

WITH YOUR PURSE!!!

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What I would change:

  Definitely a black purse in the same style as the red, yellow gold for the watch, and pearl studs for earrings. I dress pretty classic so these pieces suit me better.

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The collage below shows a range of looks. The red shoe is just the right addition. 

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I find this particular outfit stunning! I even like the color blocked purse in the mix. The reason it is working for me, is the purse is such an unusual and different look, it is unique so it works.

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Another great basic outfit elevated by red patent pumps.

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One thing I have noticed is I seem to be drawn to red with a touch of leopard as well.

This next image has a mix of prints, all of  which I would wear. I wanted to show you this option that is not particularly basic, but in my book it works and I would wear this.

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This darling lady made a very smart choice by using a basic brown leather bag with this mix, it works better than even a black bag would work, just a little bit more interesting to the eye. 

I know not everyone is comfortable with mixing patterns like this, but if you are, this is a darling casual outfit for you.

Back to Basics!

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There is not one element in this entire outfit that matches, and yet it works beautifully. 

This is a good study in color, and texture combinations. In fact when I found this post I was thrilled to see so many options that I loved. Check it out HERE!

See how it works?

Now let me show you some red shoes that I really like…..

CASUAL

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I actually have a pair of red ked mules that I wear all the time, especially when we go to the beach in Carmel, so easy to slip off to walk in the sand. These are an all time favorite of mine.

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Sam Edelman makes a really comfy ballet flat, in fact I have two pairs of flats by Sam Edelman, and they are beyond comfy. I am not an easy gal to please on the comfort front, since my foot is so hard to fit.

CASUAL/DRESSY

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I found these to be adorable and I think these are a dress-up, dress-down kind of shoe. I can see wearing them with jeans or a dressier option in an outfit.

If money were not object these would definitely be on my shopping list……

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As I stated earlier, I love a touch of leopard with red and this darling Kate Spade shoe would give me both…..

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I really had fun writing, and sourcing this post. I hope this opens up some new possibilities in your wardrobe. 

Keep in mind, it does not have to be a red shoe, for you, that is just what mood I am in, it can be any brightly colored shoe that you enjoy wearing. 

Just remember the formula……

Have a very HAPPY MONDAY!! Whatever your mood is, just go with it!!

BTW: I WOULD  wear one more red element with my red shoes, and that is the perfect red lip color. You can read about the perfect red lip color I found....
Here!!

 

 

How To Wear Plaid Pants

  

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Plaid has been on the fashion scene for several years now.

We can all wear a cute plaid shirt in cotton, or flannel with our jeans, and feel in style, and quite comfortable. 

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However when it comes to plaid pants we are not all quite as brave, or adventurous.

Plaid pants were huge in the 80’s, and they were a staple in my wardrobe back then. I had a black watch plaid pair, and a cute red plaid pair of pants that were go-to wardrobe staples in the winter months.

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I was one happy lady when I saw plaid pants emerge again. 

I purchased a black watch plaid pant at the beginning of the winter season, and I must say those pants have become my go-to pair of pants.

Since I have enjoyed wearing my plaid pants I thought I would share a few ways to wear them that are appealing to me.

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When I saw this outfit I immediately ordered a mustard sweater. I knew it would make a good combination for me, since mustard is a color I can seem to wear with my coloring. 

One very important detail  I want you to all notice is the proportions of this outfit. 

The sweater is not pulled down around her hips, which is a good thing it would only shorten her legs.

She also has a V-neck sweater, which is also a good idea since  that will elongate her neck, and make her look thinner. If you don't have a V-neck sweater try wearing a long pendant to elongate your look.

She accessorized with one great statement necklace, and  simple cuff bracelet. This was a very smart choice. She kept the plaid, and the pop of color in the sweater the focus.

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I love the pop of the red shoe with this outfit. It feels a bit unexpected, and makes this outfit more fun, and interesting.

The layered tops are dark enough to make your top look slimmer. 

The shirt peeking out of the bottom of the black sweater is fun, but to be honest it is peeking out just a tad too much. If you decide to wear the peeking shirt tail make sure it is just barely peeking out.

Also remember with this look you are creating a horizontal line  across your body that is going to stop the eye unless it is close to the color of the pant. 

A simple black purse would have been a bit more classic, and I would have added pearl stud earrings, and a simple strand of pearls. I almost always wear one gold bangle so that would have been my choice of bracelets.

I know layering of bracelets is in style and I love the look, BUT and I do mean a big BUT,you do not want to over accessorize, and become a TREND-ZILLA. So keep that in mind when adding layer upon layer.

Helpful Hint:

When you know you are wearing one very current trend try to not overload on other trends, keep the other pieces more classic and simple. Let the trend speak for itself.

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I pretty much love every element of this outfit.

Unfortunately I can no longer wear a high heel so I would opt for a leopard flat, but every other piece is a smart and classic look.

For the winter I would also wear this ensemble with a black turtle neck and a simple long gold pendant necklace.

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In this outfit collage you can see the person shows 6 different  shoe options. 

I personally would not choose the nude shoes, only because I think the plaid needs a little more weight as in the leopard or the black shoes.

The chambray shirt is fun, but with the accessories I think the shirt needs to have a bit more tailoring, and I would never wear a huge statement necklace with a shirt that has two pockets. 

Too much going on in one small area. A more tailored chambray in a darker color would be a more classic choice for me personally.

HELPFUL HINT:

When choosing a necklace keep in mind what is going on around where the necklace will be placed. If there is a yoke, collar and pockets, keep the necklace simple, or do not wear one at all, try statement earrings instead.

Two pair of plaid pants that I like……..

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Classic black watched plaid, slim cut ankle pant.

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Fun red, cobalt and black plaid on a winter white background. Slimmer cut ankle length pant.

The current way to wear plaid pants is a slimmer cut, and hemmed at the ankle. 

When wearing this look make sure you can see skin, that is key. 

I just ordered these pants at a great sale price of $29.99 marked down from $89.00. 

One thing about these pants, they will hem them to your desired length, and if they don’t fit you can still return them, now that is what I call great customer service, and the hemming is FREE!!

FUTURE TREND ALERT, OR SHOULD I CALL IT AN ALARM?!!

Not to be an alarmist, but have you seen what is out there  that is new in pants?

Cropped culottes (NOT happening here, who wants to look like Bob Square pants? Not me)

I love fashion almost as much as I do interior design, and I hope you enjoy my post on fashion from time to time.

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, however I do like to dress well, and feel good in my clothes, so that keeps me on my toes with my ever changing body at this age, if you know what I mean.

Have fun with your wardrobe, study what is out there and find the looks and proportions that are right for your body type.

I have 18 pinboards on fashion that are at the top of my pinterest page if you would like to see what I like to wear.

Click HERE to go to my pinterest page.

More post on wearing plaid can be found:

HERE

 

 

I Thought I Would Never Find It, But I DID!!!!

A Girls Quest For The Perfect RED Lip Color! 

I have admitted in the past that I am probably a lipoholic!

Lipoholic: One who can not pass a makeup counter without purchasing a new lipstick, or gloss, and usually both. This person can not have dry lips, their lips must have color, or a sheen, and feel moist at all times.

Yes, I made that up, but it is exactly what describes me.

In my addiction I have been on a quest for the perfect red lip color for me. I have truly looked for years. 

Those that know me, or have shopped with me, know I am always on the hunt for a red that will look good with my coloring without being too harsh.

Well, I am happy to announce I have found the perfect red lip color for me, finally!!

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip gloss…

GAME CHANGER

They describe this color as Red Carpet red! It is a gloss, but to be honest it is more like a semi-sheer lipstick.

It gives me plenty of coverage. It looks a bit orange in the image, but it is not orange base at all, or I would not wear it!! 

I fill in my lips with a lip liner first by Bobbi Brown (mauve), it is very close to my natural lip color, and then top it with this wonderful color for a red lip that is not too harsh.

Since I have spent years looking for a good  red that was not too harsh, trust me on this, you will love it.

Bare Minerals has another red that I might also try it is described as a watermelon red, and I do love that color so I think it is worth a try and at $18 it won’t break the bank.

It is called High Roller

I was just so excited to find this I had to share it with you all. If I find something that I love, you can bet I will be sharing it with my wonderful readers!

I have a couple more new to me products that I am happy with, more on those later. Be sure to check out these two colors if you are looking for a red lip color, you can thank me later