What Kind of Shoe Should You Wear With Leather Pants?

Do you remember last week’s post? All about leather pants? Well, I received a bunch of questions about what SHOES to wear with leather pants. Boots or pumps? Leather or suede? Same color or different? They’re totally valid questions. In fact, as I was chatting with some of my favorite store owners and managers recently, they said it’s a question they receive from customers often too…

So let’s have at it. A quick guide to what shoes pair well with leather pants.

A Leather Pant, Really Hallie??

Ok, ok… I know, you might be bristling at the idea of leather pants. There’s something that feels very Sons of Anarchy, biker chick about them. But hear me out. As I was doing my own outfit planning this season I kept feeling like I was missing a key piece.  That my wardrobe needed that fun outfit for going out that was NOT jeans. But I also didn’t want anything as serious as slacks. What was I yearning for? That in-between pant that’s not too dressed up but not too casual either. My answer was a leather pant.

Now, when I say a leather pant, I do not mean those Spanx leather leggings that all of the 20-year-old bloggers are raving about. I am fine with those if they’re paired with a tunic and boots or even sneakers. But they are definitely a legging, NOT a pant. I don’t personally wear them either. Because I think they’re a pain in the a** to take on and off. I almost passed out just trying them on in the dressing room, it’s such a production. They’re kind of thick and tight, so you’ve got to shimmy them up and jump and wiggle.  And I drink way too much water to be futzing around every time I goto the loo.

What I was looking for was a real pant – a trouser style, but made of leather, or faux leather or even waxed denim that gives it a leather-like look, but at a friendlier price.

After A Lot of Searching…

The Cyber Week Sales Round-Up

To be totally honest I have never been a big Black Friday shopper. Possibly because I am still in a major food coma on the Friday after Thanksgiving. And because I don’t love the crowds. Shopping is a peaceful experience for me. And the pushing, elbow in the ribs, the survival of the fittest kind of thing is not peaceful IMHO. But Cyber Week Sales, now that I can get into…

The whole switch from standing on-line at 5 am on Black Friday in order to save big and receive a door prize giveaway, to Cyber Week sales shopping from the comfort of my own couch has turned me (sort of) into a Black Friday(ish) shopper.

A Cheat Sheet for Cyber Week

There’s a part of me that feels like this post is a cop-out. I am EXHAUSTED and the holiday crazies haven’t even started. But I figured I’d love a comprehensive list of what sales are happening when. And maybe you would too. So that’s what I’m doing… let me know if you like it (or not). The format is a little different but I hope it can serve as a cheat sheet for you to alleviate at least some of the stress of the holiday crazies for you this season.

Mid-Calf Boots, REALLY??

When I say mid-calf boots are in, let me preface this by saying they are JUST hitting the scene. Meaning If you go to NY or LA you’ll see people wearing them. Brands like, Aquazzura, Isabel Marant and  The Row are making them. And stylists and Instagram girls are styling them. BUT mid-calf boots have not quite hit the mainstream yet. The operative word is YET…

This happens in all fashion but especially with footwear. Like, remember 4 years ago when I wrote about sock booties? Or 2 years ago when I wrote about white booties? When you first read those posts you might have been hesitant, thinking, does she REALLY know what she’s talking about?? But now I’m guessing both of these trends feel like do-able fashion options, RiGHT??? 

It’s challenging to adopt trends early, but the earlier they’re integrated into your wardrobe the more bang for the buck you get out if the pieces.  That being said, if a trend is adopted too early it can feel strange and like you’re being a poser – and that’s a crappy feeling. SO there is a sweet spot (which honestly is different for everyone) where it feels new and slightly edgy but not like you’re a total outlier.

How to wear Mid-Calf Boots…

Cake or Frosting? What’s that have to do with Fashion?

When I meet with wardrobe clients, they’re often looking for a fashion fix. Because their outfits are not totally hitting the mark. Step 1 of the personal wardrobing process is an analysis of what they have in their closet and what style they gravitate towards. I’ll often use the analogy that when getting dressed and shopping for clothes, people usually fall into one of two camps –  you’re either a frosting person or a cake person.

Just knowing what camp you fall in to is the first step of the fashion fix. Frosting people tend towards items with lots of interest (this can be great, but if you have too many things with details and not enough basics to balance out those hero pieces, your wardrobe can become too overdone and sugary). On the flip side, cake people are really into basics, they shy away from too much going on and their wardrobes can feel kind of boring.

So, WHAT are you?? A cake person or a frosting person?

Especially for our Cleveland Peeps…

This post originally ran a few years ago and has been one of the most popular, probably because it’s chock full of super useful info, especially for our CLE peeps – Cleveland spots we swear by to keep you and your “things” looking good. Literally like once a week someone calls or texts asking about a cleaner, bra shop, microblade artist… you get the gist.  So, we’re running it again and rounding up a few more reccos too…

Here are the spots we swear by in the #216…

Shopbop Surprise Sale!?!?

I mean I like surprises and all. And I love a good sale. But this was a surprise for me too so, I didn’t get to plan this one for you guys like I usually do…
None the less, I perused all 1000 pieces and compiled my favorites – mostly pieces I have tried or seen in person. But there is A LOT that is part of this sale so do yourself a favor and check it out for yourself.

Shopbop is one of my favorite contemporary retailers. They carry a lot of quality pieces so this is a chance to scoop them up at a great price – UP TO 40%b off!

Dark Florals for Fall (and Winter)

Typically we think of florals as a spring and summer kinda thing. But right now, moody, dark florals are having their moment. And for good reason…They’re probably the most versatile piece you can own. Adding a dark floral to your wardrobe is an instant and easy update.

A dark floral can span the seasons – you can wear it 12 months a year
Even though florals are typically romantic, with a dark background they become moody and edgy
They don’t show dirt and stains as easily as light florals
You can wear a dark floral if you’re 15 or 55 or even 85 – it’s ageless.
Dark florals are showing up in dresses and tops and shoes and home goods – there’s a little something for everyone
Runway designers and fast fashion alike are showing dark florals so you can find it at every price point
A Totally Versatile Piece

A dark floral is easy to transition from summer to fall to winter and then to spring. Probably because it’s so fun to layer and with the change of shoes and a topper it can go from June to January and morning til night.

The Lifecycle Of my Dark Floral Dress…

EVEREVE is a store for Mom’s – But in a good way…

EVEREVE is NOT a maternity store. And it’s not your mother’s kind of mom store either. Meaning when folks use the term “mom fashion” it’s often meant as being comfortable and practical but looking dowdy and frumpy. But I can tell you that’s not what my readers want and it’s not what my clients want and thankfully that is not at all what EVEREVE delivers.

Maybe I’d describe it as a cool, casual mom vibe. Current and put together with a little bit of interest or edge. And age-appropriate, no crop-tops or thigh-high slits, but with just a touch of sex appeal. The chain founder, Megan Tamte, calls it “wholesome sexy – mom sexy… Hot and wholesome”

Think jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and a cozy cardigan. Or a cute cami and a leather jacket with a bootie.  But there are pieces for work, and going out too. A few dresses but not special occasion wear. Really the store is stocked with pieces that work for everyday life. Outfits to take you from carpool to a meeting, then to the grocery and straight to a sporting event and then to dinner out. Clothes that take you through your day and therefore through your life.

J Crew, Classics with a Twist

A couple of weeks ago our local J Crew asked me to come in and do some styling on the spot.  As a J Crew junkie that fell out of love during the last few years, I was excited about it for a few reasons…

1. I love meeting all of you guys IRL (in real life)

2. I’m in my zone when I’m styling someone or there’s a fashion challenge that needs to be fixed (like what do I wear with this?? or what do I wear to my high school reunion, a funeral, a work presentation, my kids’ soccer game – you get the idea)

3. And, I was able to get all up close and personal with J Crew’s latest collection – it’s the first collection with new head designer, Chris Benz (who originally worked at J Crew under Jenna Lyons back in the day). 

Like J Crew Back in its Heyday

I’m happy to say this new collection gives me all of the classic J Crew feels, but updated for 2020. For a while, after Jenna Lyons left, it was like J Crew lost its identity, and quite frankly the quality seemed to plummet as well. But, this collection is back on track. Yay for us all!