Lovely Lace: Worn 3 Ways

Raindrop Lace Top in apricot mist, $110
by J. Crew

When I returned to work in March after my maternity leave, my mom sweetly helped ease this challenging transition by gifting me a few "back to school" items.  Don't judge; for me, retail therapy always works.  One such item was J. Crew's Raindrop Lace Top, which has quickly become my favorite top ever.


This intricate lace top is available in navy, pale apricot, and neon pink; mine is navy.  The ultra-feminine aesthetic inherent to lace is balanced with details like the scalloped hems with roughly fringed edges.  Albeit elegant, this top is also totally versatile; I have already worn it three ways:
(1) For work- with grey pinstripe suit pants, ankle boots, and an argyle cardigan.
(2) For dress up- over a white tank, with a pleated tangerine skirt, and navy canvas wedges.
(3) For play- over a grey tank with skinny dark denim, flip-flops, and a leopard print headband.


In addition to being my favorite top ever, it's also clearly a good investment piece; how rare for a single top to work so well in such a range of situations and dress codes!  I love it so much that I may just need to add the pale apricot and hot pink to my closet as well...  

Polar: The New White

White denim has been all the rage for the last few summers, and I can totally see why.  Nothing compliments a good tan like a crisp white, and white jeans lend themselves fabulously to a nautical look, and can be dressed up or down...  Clearly, the list goes on!  Yet, I have yet to purchase a pair of my own.  So why would a self-proclaimed fashionista intentionally deprive herself of such a blatant trend?  The truth is, I am far too accident prone to wear that much white.  Seriously, on days when I wear a white tee-shirt or top, I undoubtedly spill something on myself so white pants--well, you get the picture.  But as a fortune cookie once told me, all is never lost.

Mid-Rise Skinny Leg in Polar, $180
by J Brand

Allow me to introduce you to polar, the newest wash of J Brand's Mid-Rise Skinny Leg.  Think: polar bear.  They are not a perfect white, but in that they are perfect.  This broken-in icy white is the ideal wash for the wannabe-white-denim-wearing girl on the go.  The moment I saw them, I knew I had to have them.  If I had a signature denim, J Brand's mid-rise skinny leg would be it so the polar wash was essentially the cherry on top.  The worn, textured white means that I won't be afraid of wearing them out and about, and maybe even getting a little dirty (I'm sorry, but how do you white denim lovers manage to stay so pristine?).  Contrast stitching complements the perfectly imperfect white, but the beauty is that--like your standard white denim--polar is perfect for spring and summer.  Dearest fashionista friends, all the signs are there: this is the new white.




Psst...  For you Boston area local fashionistas, you can get your very own polar J Brands at Belmont's fabulous boutique, Bessie Blue.  Check out their website for store hours and directions!

Spring Break--For Your Nails

Last weekend, while my dear friend, Annie, was visiting from Seattle, we decided to treat ourselves to a morning of Starbucks and manicures.  Nail dates are actually one of our favorite pastimes, and so we always make a point to fit it into our itinerary.  I had stumbled upon Essie's Sand Tropez in the drugstore just a few days before Annie's arrival, and it immediately struck me as the perfect nude polish I had been searching for.  So of course I brought it with me to the nail salon in the hope that I was right; after all, some things you just have to see to believe.


I was not disappointed!  This nail polish is like spring break for your nails.  It is a soft, sandy neutral that makes your nails look like they are naturally perfect--what I feel is the nail color equivalent of the I'm-not-wearing-any-makeup cosmetic look.  I typically have trouble with nude polishes because they're not opaque enough for me, or they have a shimmer to them that I could do without.  Sand Tropez has neither of these issues; rather, it goes on solid but subtle.  And in a couple of months when I have a tan (a girl can hope!), it will look even better...

Sand Tropez
by Essie, $8

A Prettier Pout: New From Sara Happ

Disaster struck: my very favorite lip gloss, Boy Bait by MAC, recently ran out (gasp!).  Even more horrifying was the fact that I kept forgetting to either a) get myself to Nordstrom to resupply, or b) order it online.  And you should know that, second to mascara, lip gloss is one of my absolute essentials;  so when I said "disaster," I meant it.  BUT apparently this was fate doing its thing.  While picking up a few gifts for friends, I stumbled upon the latest and greatest from Sara Happ, the cosmetic genius behind the lip scrub I so adore: the lip slip.  It is nothing short of life-changing.

The Lip Slip by Sara Happ, $18

The Sara Happ website describes the inspiration for lip slip, and while I would normally give you my take, I don't think I could say it better myself:  The supple feel of a shimmery gold YSL calfskin bag. A bottle of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle. Your favorite camisole; soft, sweet, nude, girly and grand. The world doesn't need another lip balm. It needs the right one. Slip into this.


Offering the luxe shine of a gloss while moisturizing like a balm, the lip slip has allowed me to abandon my normal process of first applying my Palmer Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick and then layering gloss on top.  Sara Happ suggests layering the lip slip over other gloss for an added shimmer, but I personally find the the subtle pink tint is ultra feminine and flattering.  For me, this product has been a total game-changer.  Trust me, your lips need this.  

Good Things Come In Small Packages: DvF for babyGap

Diane von Furstenberg and babyGap Exclusive Collection

Since Harper was born almost four (!!) months ago, I've been in a baby time warp, which is why I have once again neglected my poor Unheeled for much, much too long.  But the silver lining--in addition to my adorable baby, obvi--is that I have become well versed in the ways of baby fashion!  So you can imagine how excited I was to receive an email from babyGap a couple of weeks ago announcing a limited edition collection from Diane von Furstenberg exclusively for babyGap.  

DvF babyGap Floppy Sunhat, $20

The collection has since been released, just this past Thursday actually, and as I was already up at the crack of dawn feeding the baby, I took the opportunity to multi-task and signed on to the babyGap website from my iPhone first thing.  I couldn't help but marvel at the way the iconic DvF wrap dress was translated into fun, youthful apparel and accessories for the itty bittiest of Gap wearers, from wild leggings featuring bold prints, to graphic onesies, and the most most irresistible baby wrap rompers.  It took every ounce of willpower to not snatch up every DvF item in Harper's size, but baby girl already has a bigger wardrobe than I do.  Instead, I took a more practical approach (impressed?) by filling an accessory gap in her upcoming spring and summer wardrobe with a floppy sunhat--perfect for lounging poolside, of course.  Being the self-proclaimed fashionista that I am, it is only natural that Harper gets to know the wonders of DvF as soon as possible.  And it's true what they say; good things really do come in small packages!

Diane von Furstenberg and Baby Gap Exclusive Collection

Psst...  Word on the street (well, maybe just the Gap website) is that the DvF for babyGap collection is almost sold out so you'd better get shopping--after all, you don't want your itty bitty fashion star to miss out!

Winter White

Essie Nail Polish in Waltz, $8

There are certain fashion rules that have withstood the test of time, and not wearing white after Labor Day is right up there near the top--if not at the top.  However, winter white is a fashion savvy way to bend this rule, and what fashionista doesn't like bending the rules a little bit?  I know I do.

With that disclaimer in mind, this past Saturday afternoon found me at the nail salon for the very first time since my baby girl was born in November (don't do the math--let's just say that my nails were long overdue), given my dearest friend India's engagement party on the books for Saturday night.  In standard practice for me, I was planning to wear all black--dress, opaque tights, and Tory Burch booties--so my nail color options were accordingly limitless, but I had a cheerful red in mind.  Yet, as I examined the rows of polish, my eyes fell upon something totally different, totally unexpected for me: white.

My usual approach to nail color is threefold: (1) opt for something that really pops; (2) go with something dark and neutral since it will compliment virtually any outfit; or (3) when in doubt, go French.  To pick something subtle and light--if not barely there--is not my typical style, especially during the dreary winter months.  Still, I was stuck on Essie's Waltz.  The Essie website calls Waltz an "elegant, sheer white," and it is precisely that.  Having my manicurist apply three coats instead of two gave my nails a light, bright look that was refreshing amidst the dead of winter.  Sans summer tan (usually the only thing that makes white an appealing nail color choice), Waltz still gave my fingers a pretty, feminine feel that was the perfect counter balance to my black outfit, though not competing with the blinged out ropes of pearls and rhinestones at my neck. 

Don't get me wrong, I would never abandon my go-to punchy pinks and cheery reds, or the moody greys and blacks that I so love, but I suppose that sometimes less really is more--and as far as nail color is concerned, Waltz makes a compelling case for winter white.  Brrrr.

This Year In Fashion

Dearest fashionista friends, after what I considered a heroic feat of thirty posts in the thirty days of November, I confess I have been totally remiss in sharing my fabulous fashion adventures this past month!  So, with the dawn of a new year upon us, I thought it would be best to finish out 2011 the right way, which means reflecting back on the year's fashions--some new, some old, but all fabulous.  And not to be cute, but it seems appropriate to count down (in no particular order), n'est pas?

Barbour Heritage Collection Ad Campaign

10... Barbour.  Ahh, yes, the iconic British lifestyle brand.  It is also a brand that I grew up with.  My beloved Daddy, the king of cool, even had his own Barbour that he beat up over the years--but it only made it that much cooler and more iconic.  Yet, I've never had a Barbour of my own.  The injustice of it all!  But what I do have is the most amazing husband in the world, and this Christmas he gave me a Barbour of my very own.  Yay for staying warm in fabulously British style this year!

Groove Pant (Tall) in black, $98
by Lululemon

9... Lulu.  Despite some bad press lately, I remain faithful to Lululemon and their amazing collection of yoga and running clothes that can be worn for both exercise and play.  In fact, their apparel is so versatile that I was able to wear my regular old Lulu all the way through my pregnancy, thanks the seemingly magical stretchy properties of their signature luon fabric.  Not to mention that one of my favorite styles, the Groove Pant, is available with a tall inseam.  They don't call it "the Holy Grail of yoga pants" for nothing.

Lollipop, $8 by Essie

8... Lollipop.  This summer, Essie's Lollipop was my go-to nail color.  For a bright, cheerful red, nothing beats it.  While on vacation in the Outer Banks this summer with my husband's family, even my 10 year-old niece remarked on what a perfect shade of red it was.  Of course, she is absolutely a fashionista-in-the-making, but still.  When it's right, it's right.  And on the upside, since it's winter now, I think Lollipop could qualify as a "candy cane red."  I know Christmas has come and gone, but you get what I'm saying.


7... Cupcakes and Cashmere.  I came upon this blog quite by accident earlier this year, while doing a Google image search for the Fairfax Catseye sunglasses by Elizabeth and James that I was so coveting--and what a happy accident indeed.  I have returned regularly to read about Emily's fashion and lifestyle inspirations, which include absolutely gorgeous photos taken by her and her fiancé.  It is now one of my favorite sites when I want to be inspired, or sometimes insanely jealous (this girl has fashion in spades).  To sum it up, I want to be like Emily when I grow up.

Mystic Stone Expandable Wire Bangle
in turquoise with Russian silver, $28 by Alex and Ani

6... Alex and Ani.  I received an Alex and Ani bangle as a birthday gift from my lovely and stylish friend, Sandrine, this summer--and I have been a convert ever since.  Their bangles and other jewelry are designed with the intention of of celebrating each wearer's unique essence.  My silver bangle features a single turquoise bead, which is said to promote peace of mind, as a symbol of generosity, sincerity, and affection.  Harnessing positive energy through clean and simple design is definitely something I will continue to embrace in the new year.


5...   Maxi Skirts.  This year brought the return of maxi skirts were all the rage, which was a true fashion gift for a tall girl like me.  During the summer, I embraced the white, gauzy boho chic look, which brought an elegance and sophistication to my summer wardrobe--while also allowing me to stay cool in spite of a growing baby bump.  Then, with the transition to fall, I was excited to see that the maxi transitioned as well, with heavier knits taking the place of light, bright cottons.  In fact, during the month of October, I basically lived in my striped jersey maxi skirt from Anthroplogie, and I am happy to report that it will continue to serve me well throughout the winter.

Tinted Lipglass in nymphette,  $14.50
by MAC Cosmetics

4... Nymphette.  Now now, don't get the wrong idea.  Another cosmetic hit from MAC, their Nymphette Tinted Lipglass (not to be confused with lipgloss) was definitely one of my new favorite beauty products this year.  Nymphette, which MAC calls a "sunny golden pink," adds a subtle golden glow to your lips that infuses your overall cosmetic look.  Regardless of your coloring, this girly neutral lip color is definitely one that you want to add to your beauty arsenal. 


3... The Brooklyn Flea Market.  This past summer, while visiting my lovely and amazing friend, India, in New York, I had the opportunity to attend the Brooklyn Flea Market.  While I always insist that I am "not a New York person" and "prefer to visit," this artsy outdoor market had me singing a different tune.  From the refreshments (corn on the cob and limeade has never tasted so good) to the artsy antique vendors (we were on a mission to find the perfect steamer trunk), I was reminded of Coco Chanel's sage wisdom: that fashion exists everywhere.  If only I hadn't taken the bus to New York, I would have likely returned home with a lot of fabulous new furniture.  

Women's Premier Single Layer Wide Strap
in dark brown, $48.95
Available from Island Surf

2... Double Rainbow.  Well, only if you count both feet.  They might not be footwear that Rachel Zoe would approve of, but sometimes a fashionista has to give her feet a break--and the zillion pairs of Rainbows I have owned over the year have never, ever let me down (and that counts for something, doesn't it?).  At least for a while, they were more of a West Coast surfer phenomena, but perhaps because their simple and comfortable leather design is so ideal for summer, over time they have made their way across our great nation.  And thank goodness for that.  So, not only are Rainbows a 2011 fashion favorite, but they have been a favorite of mine every year since I started wearing them during my college stint in LA--and I can say with surety that they will find their way onto a 2012 list of favorites too.


1... CHANEL.  Every fashionista has to have that one special item on her "most coveted" list, and the Chanel Grand Shopper is mine.  With its luxe quilted black leather, chain link strap, and Chanel logo, it is the epitome of elegance and class. But, like most items that end up on a "most coveted" list, its price point puts it outside the realm of possibility (for this fashionista at least).  But perhaps that is what makes it so special, that it isn't yet tangible for me, which gives me something to work towards; you know, life, liberty, and the pursuit of Chanel.  And I know that someday I will walk into the Chanel boutique on Newbury Street and leave with this gorgeous handbag, but until then, it remains the best thing that's never been mine.

Chanel
5 Newbury Street in Boston

...HAPPY NEW YEAR!  And so concludes 2011, and with it my countdown of the year in fashion.  Dearest fashionista friends, thanks for all that you've done to encourage She's Come Unheeled throughout this year, and cheers to another year of fabulous fashion adventures.