August 31, 2010

pretty things: Ariat cowboy boots

dress: GAP
boots: Ariat, via Langston’s

I mentioned a while back that the nice people at Langston’s sent me a pair of Ariat boots; I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love them. The boots, I mean — although I really like the Langston’s people too. But I’m in love with the boots. They’re incredibly comfortable, and absolutely beautiful. I’ve tried them on with pretty much everything in my closet; you’d be surprised how versatile cowboy boots can be. Truly.

Western wear isn’t a look that I typically go for, but the secret to cowboy boots is this: you can wear them with anything. Even a little black dress.

dress: GAP
necklace: Stella&Dot, via eBay
photo: Rita Ortloff

Western wear is back for Fall 2010, and while I’m not falling on myself to pick up a denim shirt or a plaid tunic, I’m totally into the idea of wearing my boots with my more Preppy pieces, like my J. Crew pencil skirts and my GAP dresses. I love the idea of mixing something more feminine (like a ruffly dress) with the more masculine boot.

And I also like the attitude that comes with pointy cowboy boots. Get out of my way, y’all, or I’ll kick your ass. Truly.

Like the boots? In a few weeks, I’ll be giving away a pair of Ariats! Thanks to Langston’s for making that happen. Stay tuned for details.

August 24, 2010

personal stylist: Nina Garcia

I love August, the month where a wheelbarrow is required to bring the September issues of my favorite fashion magazines in from the mailbox. I subscribe to Elle, Vogue and InStyle; I read Harper’s Bazaar at the bookstore while the boys flip through comic books. I like to see what trending for fall and winter, even though I know I will never wear most of it. (Leather and lace? No).

On a daily basis, though, I don’t turn to fashion magazines for style advice, but to a carefully culled library of style books. Unlike a magazine, which is both ephemeral and aspirational (they need you to buy the next issue, too, you see), books are permanent, and their advice tends to be more evergreen. In other words, your life will never look like a Vogue photo shoot, but a good shopping or style guide actually can help you hone your look.

So which guides are good?

Recently, I’ve been making my way through Nina Garcia’s fourth book, “What to Wear for Every Occasion,” which is a pragmatic compendium of advice for various milestones in every woman’s life. Garcia has divided the book into broad sections — work, dating, day, night — and then broken those into smaller moments. In the section on work, for example, she covers what to wear for the interview, for your first day at a new job, and to a big meeting. She also talks about what to wear when you work from home, in a section called “The Sweatpants Trap.” (Spoiler: Garcia is not a fan of spending the day working in your pajamas. I’m sure you’re shocked to hear that.)

Garcia’s advice is smart and practical and easy to follow. She believes in finding your own personal style, and she’s here to guide you as you search for it. The book itself is beautiful, with illustrations by artist Ruben Toledo. Toledo has illustrated all four of Garcia’s books; the images are the perfect foil for Garcia’s text.

This is a book you can return to over and over. Garcia’s advice is sound and her tone is upbeat and fun. Having “What to Wear for Every Occasion” on your bookshelf is like having Nina Garcia living in your closet. More or less.

August 9, 2010

make your own Gap magic!

I’m back from BlogHer, where I managed to take zero photos of what I wore. I have no idea how that happened, but I promise, I’ll get back on the photo bandwagon soon. Today. Really.

(Although today I’m wearing a dress I’ve worn 1,000,000 times and a pair of flip flops. Eh, whatever.)

Striped Sweater Dress, $59.50

While I’m doing my laundry and catching up at work, I wanted to take three seconds to give you a heads up: Gap’s fall line is being released Tuesday, August 10 — tomorrow! — in the evening. If you’re out and about this week, and happen to find yourself near a Gap, stop in and check out what’s new. I’ve seen some of it and it’s fabulous. Truly.

In Oklahoma City, you can swing by the Gap at Penn Square Mall and say hello to Stylist Danny, who is the best. You can also call the Penn Square store (405-843-0850) and set up your own free appointment with a stylist.

Let me say that again: FREE APPOINTMENT WITH A STYLIST.

Do it today. You won’t be sorry!

August 4, 2010

pretty things: orange you chic

Looking to make your summer wardrobe work for you through the fall? Think about adding a bright orange piece that will go with your summer pieces and carry you on through the winter. I’m loving orange and gray right now, and orange and navy are always classic and fresh.

I love this sweater; it’s bright and cozy all at once. Layer over a navy tee or a crisp white blouse; pair with jeans or an A-line skirt. J. Crew Dream V-Neck Cardigan in Sweet Tangerine, $78.

Not ready to go quite that bold? How about orange nails instead?

Essie’s Capri ($8) is an orange-toned red, which makes it more current and cutting edge than a traditional red. Try it as a pedicure if you’re scared of color on your finger nails.

Want something more than a manicure but less than a bright cardi? Try a scarf on for size.

This one from Old Navy is the perfect no-commitment option: for $12.50 you can add a pop of orange to any outfit, risk-free. And the pattern makes the color both more fun and a little less crazy. Perfect.

You know I’m a sucker for a beautiful necklace, and this one, from Etsy, is stunning. I love how the orange beads work with the yellow and pink; this is a perfect statement necklace for fall (and beyond). And the fact that it’s made of vintage pieces makes it even cooler in my book. Pop Rocks necklace by Urbanlegend, $25.