Take Your Bling to Work

Golden Renaissance Necklace
by Anton Heunis for Anthropologie,
$149.95 (sale price)



I love statement jewelry as much as the next girl, but in my daily life, I have to be careful just how "loud" a statement I make.  As I've mentioned before, I spend my 9-to-5 in a conservative corporate environment so I've found that smaller statement pieces (mainly rings) or those with a traditional look (think: lots of pearls) are viewed as more acceptable than some of the in-your-face alternatives.  Still, I am a girl who loves bling, and perhaps for this reason I was immediately captivated by the uniquely wearable statement of Anthropologie's Golden Renaissance Necklace.

Created by Anton Heunis, this chunky brass link necklace features glass and agate, along with embedded Swarovski crystals.  The contrasting materials are what stood out to me, for I appreciate the way they work together to create an earthy yet glamorous effect.  While this necklace is bold and unusual, somehow the earthy vibe allows it to make a statement without being too over-the-top.  With my birthday on the not-too-distant horizon, I'm absolutely hoping that the Golden Renaissance finds its way into a pretty wrapped box.  And to be clear, this bling deserves to come to the office.



Beach Bag Essentials

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend the week on North Carolina's Outer Banks with my husband and his family.  Those seven blissful days were composed of sun, sand--and more sun and sand, which was exactly what I had been hoping for.  As a result, I feel as though I have perfected the art of packing a beach bag.  There are some things you just have to have--and others that only add extra weight (which is even less enjoyable while trudging through hot sand).  Here are the key ingredients:

XL Boat and Tote Bag, Zip-Top
by L.L. Bean, $41.95

The right bag is everything.  For my wedding shower (nearly five years ago), my brother and sister gifted two huge L.L. Bean canvas bags featuring our wedding colors, personalized with the clever monogram alternatives of "Mrs." (mine) and "Mr." (Dallin's).  This trip, I toted the Mrs. bag, and it was ideal.  Not only is canvas is the perfect material for getting beat by sand, surf, sunblock, and anything/everything else, but it's colossal size meant that we could pack everything we needed in just one bag.  Our bag also includes the zipped top, which is crucial for keeping unwanted sand out.


Vital Sun Protection Lotion by Kiehl's, $19.50


Lather up!  Despite all the evidence linking skin cancer and the harmful effects of UV rays, when the summer rolls around, we still yearn for that that sun-kissed look--and I am no exception.  That said, a) it's absolutely crucial that we protect our skin, and b) it's a total myth that you can't get a tan while wearing sunscreen anyway.  To this end, I'm in love with Kiehl's Vital Sun Protection Lotion.  Each day during my vacation, I slathered it on--and completely avoided any sort of sunburn (a huge feat for a girl who hasn't spent time in the sun in practically forever), returning home at the end of my trip with that coveted golden glow.  What makes this sunscreen so fabulous is its lightweight, non-greasy formula that's water resistant for up to 80 minutes in the water--and a little bit goes a long way in coverage.


Summer Stripe Beach Towel in medium blue
from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $24
Available at Bloomingdales


Dry off.  My husband and I both have summer birthdays (his is today!), and a few years ago, my mom gifted a pair of Ralph Lauren beach towels.  These towels were a staple for us this past week.  Plush and over sized, they were a treat to return to after braving the surf or swimming in the pool.  Plus, even though we've had our set for a while, they've more than withstood the test of time; the cotton terry is as soft as ever, and there's no piling or fading to be seen.

Summer Straw Hat by J. Crew, $34.50

Don't forget your hat.  One thing I wish I had with me last week was an over sized straw hat of my own.  There is something so classic--albeit a bit dramatic--about a wide-brimmed straw hat, yet they are so utterly practical at the same time.  When the sun is strong and the temperature high, it can be a relief to shield your face from the baking sun under the indulging brim of a summer hat like this one from J. Crew.  Not to mention that a fashionista should always embrace the opportunity to rock fun accessories.

While my guidance isn't exactly earth-shattering, what I learned during my vacation is the best beach bags are those packed simply.  The fact of the matter is, when you're at the beach, you don't need a lot of extra stuff; after all, you're there to enjoy the sun, sand, surf, and hopefully some really good company as well.  On that note, I wish you all the best from your beach adventures this summer!


Hatteras Island, NC




Summing Up the Week: New Arrivals From Marc by Marc Jacobs

Amongst the seemingly millions of emails I receive daily from the millions of places I enjoy shopping, today's Saks Fifth Avenue email stood out, as it announced new arrivals from Marc by Marc Jacobs.  If not my favorite designer, Marc Jacobs is definitely in my top five.  Often working with distinct patterns, colors, or materials, I find his work is always unique, and while remaining contemporary, he also manages to incorporate a retro-cool vibe.

While perusing the new arrivals to the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection online at Saks, I had to smile, as a few choice items speak to this week's topics at She's Come Unheeled--namely neon and high-heeled loafers.  So let's recap (and/or shop Marc Jacobs), shall we?

As I mentioned on Tuesday, neon is everywhere this summer. I'm generally partial to neon pink, but it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on the Candy Logo Bracelet. If you're unsure about neon, accessories like this are a great way to test the trend. Made of resin, this chunky neon bangle has the Marc logo etched all around it. What Saks calls "chartreuse" translates more along the lines of neon citrus and packs enough punch to brighten up any look. Plus, with a price tag of only $32, it's a no-brainer.



Candy Logo Bracelet in chartreuse from Marc by Marc Jacobs, $32
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue


Then, as we discussed on Wednesday, high-heeled loafers will be all the rage for fall footwear, and I couldn't be more converted. Marc's revision of the classic look comes in a shiny brown aptly called "luggage" and features a stacked uber-high heel, Oxford tassels, and an exposed platform. I'm not going to lie, Marc's Stacked Leather Penny Loafers are giving my earlier Schutz pick a run for their money (though I do so love Schutz's wooden heel)--while staking claim to a bit more of my money at the price of $390 (compared to $210 for the Schutz loafers). Decisions, decisions!

Stacked Leather Penny Loafers in luggage from Marc by Marc Jacobs, $390
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks has deemed the new arrivals from the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection "ladylike with a shot of sass," and I think that's fair.  Now it's just a question of what to buy...  Happy weekend--and happy shopping!

Fall Fashion Preview: A Penny For Your...Feet

Although, fall is still months away, the fashion magazines are already offering previews of the upcoming trends.  Since the warm, sunny weather only recently showed its face here in New England, I hesitate to think of its departure just yet.  Still, fall is my favorite season, and I love a fashion preview as much as the next girl--and so I found myself devouring the pages of the June edition of Harper's Bazaar over the weekend...


From Harper's Bazaar, June 2011

I never thought I would get so excited about plain old penny loafers, but this fall, designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and Opening Ceremony have reinterpreted what has traditionally seemed uber preppy--perhaps even stuffy--footwear.  The key ingredient: a sky-high heel, which elevates the loafer's look from old school to contemporary in a matter of inches.



Penny Loafer Pump by Schutz, $210
Available at Cusp by Neiman Marcus

 Personally, I see great possibility in this fall's fresh take on the traditional loafer.  If you'll pardon the cliché, they are absolutely geek-meets-chic, which just so happens to be the same category in which (if asked) I would classify my daily wardrobe.  As a girl with a 9 to 5 gig in a mostly conservative office, I try to keep my look professional, though I also feel it's also important to represent my personal style aesthetic.  The result might be best described as "intellectual with an edge," which has me gravitating towards Schutz's Penny Loafer Pump.  What Cusp by Neiman Marcus calls a "neck-breaking wooden heel" ensures that this isn't the penny loafer of bygone days, yet a loafer it remains.

So, I hope you're enjoying the summer, but when it comes to an end (as all things do), rest assured that you have some absolutely fabulous fall footwear to look forward to--and perhaps a new look for your corporate gig as well.

The Neon Question

9" Chino Shorts in shocking pink, $35
by J. Crew

A couple of weeks ago, while shopping at J. Crew, I was thrilled to see neon pink everywhere.  In fact, while waiting in line for an open register, I noticed that the girl in front of me had a pair of neon pink shorts in her pile--which got me thinking: I love neon, but can I pull off those shorts? 

Indeed, neon--whether pink, yellow, green, or orange--is tricky.  I've had success with small pops of neon, like Essie's Punchy Pink on my nails or a flashy neon headband.  But to commit to a full neon article of clothing is a big question mark for me; that is to say, I'm not totally sure how much neon is too much neon.  The shorts I'm currently coveting are J. Crew's 9-inch chino Bermuda shorts in the aptly categorized shade of "shocking pink."  I'm not going to lie, they are somewhat blinding to look at, yet I sort of love them...  But would I look absolutely ridiculous?  Maybe.  There's also a distinct possibility that it would be impossible to stare directly at me if I were wearing such a shockingly pink pair of shorts--sort of like staring at the sun.  Decisions, decisions.


Jessica Alba, rocking neon with neutrals
Photo thanks to Marie Claire, May 2011


So I've been having this neon debate in my head for the last couple of weeks.  Then, just this past weekend, while catching up on a neglected stack of fashion magazines, I happened upon some sage wisdom from Tim Gunn in the May 2011 issue of Marie Claire.  In his regular column, "Gunn Laws," he solves readers' style conundrums, and in the May issue, one reader cleverly voiced the neon question, inquiring what she should pair with a neon cardigan.  Gunn advises against pairing neon with white or black, instead recommending mid-tone neutrals, such as grey or brown, to lend a sophistication that could otherwise cause the neon to look jejune.    As evidenced by the accompanying photo of Jessica Alba, there is something to be said for balancing a brilliant neon with an warm yet understated neutral shade; somehow, the pairing seems to lesson the blatant shock of such a bright color while preserving its stylish punch.

After reading "Gunn Laws," it appears I have my answer: neon pink shorts can work, but only if paired properly.  Of course, this only begs the question: what is the proper pairing?  I guess I won't be adding the shorts to my online shopping cart just yet, but I'm definitely thinking about it.  So if you have any suggestions as to what might make my shocking pink shorts a bit more wearable, I implore you to help a neon-loving girl out; send me an email or post a comment below!

Summer Stripes

Barite Top by Tory Burch, $175

Stripes are one of my favorite summer looks.  I particularly love the nautical feel of a classic navy stripe, which may be why the Barite Top by Tory Burch is calling my name.  The summery short-sleeve, crew neck tee features navy and ivory stripes, but Miss Burch ups the ante by adding rope and stud detailing at the sleeves that I'm absolutely obsessed with.


The Garine Top by Tory Burch, $225
(shown over the Barite Top)

 The Tory Burch website suggests layering the Garine Top over the Barite, and as a girl who loves mixing patterns, I think the result totally works.  The heavier weight of the roping and stripes means that they peek out from beneath the spotted cotton silk for a more bohemian spin on the nautical look.  If (when?) I'm lucky enough to own both pieces, I would pair them with a pair of jeans and some high, high wedges for the perfect summer look. 

The Stripper

Despite the title of today's post, I promise you that we're going to keep things classy...and discuss stripping--nail polish, that is.  I was first tipped off about The Stripper during a Saturday at my favorite local boutique, Bessie Blue.  I complimented a customer on her fabulous nail color, and she was kind enough to point me in the right direction: Deborah Lippmann.


The Stripper Nail Lacquer Remover by Deborah Lippmann, $18
Available at Nordstrom


If you're not familiar with Deborah Lippmann, then one thing you should know is that she is the go-to manicurist to fashion magazines and renowned fashion houses alike.  Her collection of nail lacquer and nail treatments are some of the best I have ever used--and knowing how seriously I treat my mani/pedis, I don't say that lightly.  Plus, as a girl who simply can't get enough of cleverly named cosmetics, with nail lacquers like "Yellow Brick Road" and "Bad Romance," Miss Lippmann clearly has the nail care industry on lock.



The Stripper to Go
Nail Lacquer Remover Finger Mitts
by Deborah Lippmann, $12 per box
Available at Nordstrom

 But I promised that we would talk about stripping.  And that's where The Stripper comes into play.  This award-winning nail polish remover lets you take it all off--from the darkest to the lightest of shades--in mere seconds.  Made from lavender and aloe, this special formula will also hydrate the nail plate while also providing natural anti-bacterial properties.  For the girl on the go, the bottle also has a unique twist-lock pump to prevent leakage and spills, but if you want to be especially cautious, you can opt for 'The Stripper to Go' Nail Lacquer Remover Finger Mitts.  Available in boxes of six, you use one little mitt to strip the polish from all your nails.  Cute and convenient--yay!

Believe me when I tell you: you will not find a better nail polish remover.  Ever ever ever.  This is the kind of stripping that even your parents can approve of.