I don’t know what it is about these Elizabeth & James Stock Moccasins, they aren’t exactly groundbreaking and certainly aren’t at all sexy, but I am kind of obsessed. And I am not the only one, my roommate and I (who wear the same size shoe) have been contemplating buying a splitting the cost and sharing them. While the idea is great in theory, I have a feeling that in practice, it will be less so. I think that what is so appealing about these shoes, is that they are the ones that you reach for everyday. They are comfortable and chic without being trendy, a perfect fall flat that goes with almost anything. Perhaps instead of splitting one pair, we should buy one in each color (khaki and tan haircalf) and share! That way, no fighting over who gets to wear them on what day (inevitable fighting over what color goes better with what outfit we’ll just have to live with).

When designing Lanvin’s “accidental tourist” resort 2010 collection, Alber Elbaz was influenced by Acapulco… and Samantha Roson.

Hm, quite an interesting pairing, but the influences are definitely noticeable if you look for them, and totally work to create a resort collection that has something for everyone- beach-goers, urbanites, uptown girls and downtown-skinny-hipster DJ’s.

I love that this collection puts a feminine twist on Samantha Ronson’s cool-girl hipster look. While I totally love her style, I’m just a little too girlie to pull it off head to toe. So thanks, Alber Elbaz, for showing me the way.

Pair white shades- such as these Ray Ban Wayfarers, and cool kicks- I can’t get enough of my red Converse All-Stars, with your summer dresses, bright colored jumpsuits, skinny jeans, white suits and pretty much anything else to get the Lanvin/ Ronson look.

Source: Style.com, W Editors Blog Image Source: Splash News

Monday night at the CFDA Awards’, otherwise known as the Oscars of the fashion world, Kate and Laura Mulleavy won the coveted Womenswear Designer of the Year award (for a list of the complete 2009 CFDA award winners, click here). A much deserved award, I am thrilled for the adorable sisters from Pasadena, as well as for the rest of the night’s nominees and winners. Much like the Menswear Designer of the Year award, my award for the best dressed of the night is a tie.

The fire red shade both Ashley Olsen (in a gown from New York Vintage) and Diane Kruger (in Jason Wu) are wearing has stolen my heart. While Olsen and Kruger’s looks for the evening are quite different, their color choice puts them both at the top of my best dressed list. I’m sure that they are both thrilled.

I am quite smitten with this shade. I’m thinking these adorable Juicy Couture Samantha Patent Pumps may be the perfect purchase to introduce the bright orange-red to my closet.

Image Source: Style.com

I recently saw the cutest pair of grey patent leather oxford shoes while out shopping. I had been looking for the perfect pair of oxfords last fall, and here they were, and at a totally reasonable price point. But, being in a summer sandal state of mind, I passed them up. I’ve been wondering if I made the right decision ever since, and finding these amazing photographs on The Sartorialist of a summer celebration on Governors Island, I think the answer is definitely “no” (and I still haven’t found the perfect pair of summer sandals).

I’m so jealous of these pretty ladies in their summer frocks and leather oxfords… I think I may just have to purchase a pair of oxfords and just keep in mind I’ll probably find the perfect pair of summer sandals this November when I am searching for a new pair of boots…

These Sam Edelman Simona Oxford’s with wingtip and laceless detailing are too cute… and I can totally picture them with my summer skirts and dresses.

I’ve seen more than a handful of fashion blog posts obsessing over Ann Demeulemeester’s totally cool lace-up hybrid boot/sandal.

I love them- totally rock & roll, fashion-forward and stunning. They would look great paired with just about anything- skinny jeans and a concert tee, a sun-dress and jean jacket, even cut-off shorts and a tank. Kind of like how a pair of red-soled Louboutin’s will make any outfit that much sexier, these Demeulemeester’s will make it that much cooler. Unfortunately for me, I cannot justify any expensive shoe purchases on my recessionista budget, as awesome as Louboutin and Ann Demeulemeester may be. Before I resign myself, and my outfits, to being just that much un-cooler, Dolce Vita has once again came to my rescue. I’ve professed my love of the affordable shoe line here before, and my opinion hasn’t changed. These Dolce Vita Delilah Ankle Booties have the same boot/sandal look, but are in no way an obvious copy of the Demeulemeester’s (I am into taking inspiration from awesome designers, not ripping them off). The leather straps make them a little more commercial, but also, a little more wearable. Not to mention, I am loving the grey leather- and the fraction-of-the-cost price tag.

Image Source: Gnarlitude

You can’t look at a news website, gossip magazine or fashion blog these days without receiving an play by play of every sartorial choice Michelle Obama makes while in Europe. I’m talking about updates when she takes her coat off, and fashion face-offs with all the other women she meets. A lover of both fashion and politics, I am certainly not complaining. And while I won’t post my own fashion face-off here, I’d like to switch over to the French first lady for a moment, and her penchant for flats. Ah, a girl after my own heart. While I may swoon over the amazing stiletto heels and platform pumps in editorials and on Jak & Jil, when it comes to my own feet, they are almost always clad in flats. I often glance at the ladies around me- at work, in my social circle, walking down the street- and vow to become more of a heels person when I see how chic and slimming they are. However, the uber-chic Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy has given me a new confidence in my shoe collection:

What I love is that she doesn’t just pull out the flats for casual events- she wears them with ball gowns and to meet the Queen- and they don’t seem at all out-of-place. I need to carry a picture of Mrs. Bruni- Sarkozy in my purse to remind myself that comfort and style aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

The zebra print and teal details on these Luichiny flats give them a playful twist.

I am definitely ready for the warm spring and summer months that are upon us, and all that comes with- such as BBQ’s, beach days, bikinis, sun hats, sandals and the smell of Banana Boat sunscreen. Yet, as happy as I am that sandals season has arrived, I am not quite ready to give up the skinny jeans and ankle boots look I am so fond of right now. In fact, just tonight I saw a girl at the sushi bar whose light tan leather ankle boots, faded black skinny jeans and oxford shirt outfit was perfect enough to distract me from the copius amounts of delicious yellowtail I was inhaling. Luckily, I think I have a solution for continuing this look through the summer months:

Marc Jacobs lace-up striped boots. I’m obsessed. Yes, they are a little too Victorian mixed with a little too preppy, but for some reason, it just works- at least in my humble opinion. I’m picturing them paired with faded skinnies and a lightweight oxford (still hung up on the aforementioned outfit) or an oversized, slouchy tee-shirt and ripped shorts. These shoes need to be worn with something casual and masculine, or they risk being too cutesy and preppy. I feel a splurge coming on…

Spring is here and summer fast approaching. When it comes to my accessories, I have been feeling the urge to shake things up a little. Suddenly my watch feels too heavy and serious, and my brown leather gladiator sandals too boring and neutral. I need some bold, bright and playful items to throw into the mix and add a little life to my wardrobe. I’ve found myself lusting after two items that are the perfect, lighthearted accessories to add a fun twist to even the most basic tee-shirt and jeans outfit.

I love the aptly named line TOYWATCH, and their Crystal style, shown here, is one of their best-selling styles. The watch has a nautical feel to it, perfect for summer, with it’s clear acrylic band and navy face. The plastic band makes this watch less serious than it’s heavy metal cousins and just begs to be worn to summer BBQ’s and beach bonfires. Even if you are checking it to see how late you are running to work, it’s still fun to look at.

Jelly shoes are making a comeback, and while I am not quite ready to break out the wedge heel style that I rocked in Jr. High, there is something about this See by Chloe pair that I’m totally into. Maybe it’s the awesome bright yellow hue or the cute tied ankle strap, regardless, I can picture wearing them all summer long. With dresses, shorts, bathing suits… the list goes on and on. So yes, I guess I am ready for this jelly.

I really love the shoe line Dolce Vita, not only are the shoes totally cute, comfortable and on-trend, they are also completely affordable. What more can you ask for? I am in the market for a new spring-is-coming sandal, and, being the Recessionista that I am, want to find an inexpensive pair that will take me through summer and into fall. With this criteria in mind, I instantly thought of Dolce Vita. While perusing their online selection I came across these two pairs and am obsessed. I’m picturing them with tapered trousers for now and again next fall and with oversized cut-off jean shorts and lacy babydoll dresses for this spring and summer. The only problem is, I cannot decide which pair I want more. They both have the same awesome wedge-heel as well as a similar peep-toe shape, so it would be silly to own both pairs. Althouuuugh, if I bought the Jaylen in brown and the Rayne in black it wouldn’t be that silly, would it?  With shoes as cute as these, it’s not easy being a Recessionista.

I love this outfit shot by Scott Schuman, aka The Sartorialist, outside the Blumarine show in Milan for Style.com. The look is great because it is at the same time head-turning and incredibly simple. All you need are four items: an oversized oxford button-down or shirtdress, black opaque tights or black leggings, platform heels or booties, and a chic handbag. I like that this woman left it at that, she isn’t even wearing a watch or small earrings. She looks fresh, modern and surprisingly sexy. I think the sexiness of this outfit comes from the fact that it almost makes you think that the dress she wore out the night before, paired with the tights and heels, is hidden in her bag and she simply threw on her lovers shirt in the morning and got on with her day. A little naughty, no? Or maybe I’m letting my imagination run a little wild. Regardless, here is how I would get this look:

First the main item, the shirtdress. It’s hard to find an oversized button-down shirt that fits as well as the one in our inspiration photo. That’s why I like the idea of buying a shirtdress. You get the look of a button-down, with a great fit. This version from Current/Elliot is sleeveless and a bit different from the blue oxford above, but I like that this dress would look equally cute in this outfit, as well as paired with sandals over a bathing suit this summer.

Black opaque tights from Ellen Tracy. I probably wear my opaque tights more than anything else in my wardrobe, if you don’t already own a pair, you should remedy this situation immediately if not sooner. You can thank me later.

These cute platforms from LAUREN Ralph Lauren are reminiscent of the YSL Tribute Sandals. But the cost won’t break your bank and the lower heel won’t break your back.

This Dautore grey leather shopper is big enough to hold last night’s outfit and everything you need for today, all in one chic package.

Image Source: Style.com