Ain't No Mom Jeans

Score Another One For Danskos....sigh

It's a well known fact that The Sartorialist is one of the arbiters of cool.  Fashionistas everywhere would love to be featured in his blog, and Time Magazine identified him as one of the top 100 design influences.

So when one of his latest shots (pictured) featured Danskos...well, I have to concede a point.

I suspect this woman caught his eye due to the small details like the elbow patches, cocktail ring and cool socks, but I refuse to be a sore loser.

So go ahead, Dansko fans.  You can gloat now.

xo,

S

 

Reader Question: What Types of Footwear Can You Wear with Leggings and Skinny Jeans?

Reader Question:

I have recently fallen in love with skinny jeans and leggings.  Heels really aren't my thing and normally, I would wear UGG boots or ballet flats, but some outfits just don't call for the winter boots but I am too cold to wear ballet flats.  Are there any other comfortable, warm choices you would recommend to go with skinny jeans?  Is it ever ok to wear a street shoe, like my slip-on sketchers with socks, with skinny jeans.

Answer:

I love that you are embracing skinny jeans and leggings!!  But footwear for these styles can be tricky.  Let me first try to address which footwear I think looks best with leggings and skinny jeans, and then take on the more specific part of your question about leggings + sketcher sneaks.

Best (Easiest) Footwear Choices With Skinny Jeans & Leggings

1.  Boots

We're talking any shape of boot, with any heel height: flat boots, high heeled boots, ankle boots, knee-high, or over-the-knee boots.  They all work.  In fact, boots of any shape and style work: winter boots, western boots, motorcycle boots, sleek boots, moccasin booties, rain boots, combat boots, rocker booties with chains, etc.  You get the picture.  Whatever you're boot fetish, I'm willing to bet it will look amazing with skinny jeans or leggings.  Be wary of traditional Uggs (I'll talk more about this below).  For a bit of inspiration, check out our November 2009 Street Style Mom, or the pics below (all from shopbop.com).

Lastly, I'm loving the outfit put together (pic below)  by K_Isa_Bella on Chictopia.com.  The socks and lace-up boots look just so cool.  You could certainly use this idea of layering socks and boots with other boot styles.

Winter Outfit Inspiration: Violet Boutique

Right about now, I'm starting to ache for Spring.  Which means that I tend to view Denver's eternally sunny skies optimistically:  the sun is out, therefore it's warm, right?  No. Not by a long shot.  Add to the mix the fact that magazines are filled with Spring fashion coverage, boutiques have winter items on super sale and window displays are showing the most fabulous little gauzy dresses, tops and sandals.  BOOOOOOOO.

I could seriously use some fashion inspiration.  So Molly and I asked a few boutique owners and a personal shopper at Nordstroms to put together some inspiring looks to help us get through the winter.   First up?  Stacy McElhany, mom of Emerson and owner of Violet Boutique, Denver.

When Stacy asked us what kind of outfit we were looking for, I told her to put on something inspired.  And Stacy's outfit (pictured) is certainly inspired, with a very unlikely source of inspiration: Dick Van Dyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  

NOTE:  Emerson took one look at her mum and declared that she did look like "that man".  Mission accomplished!

I love that Stacy effortlessly rocks the boyfriend denim trend (with socks!  My favorite!), the denim-on-denim trend, the ankle-bootie trend, and the long cardigan trend without looking contrived. 

Ideas To Takeaway:

• Try layering a vest under a long cardigan, or even layering a paper-thin cardigan (buttoned up) under a bulkier cardigan
• Try wearing your boyfriend jeans rolled up, with socks and ankle boots for cool, effortless vibe.
• Throw on a brooch to glam up boy-inspired outfits.
• Experiment with men-inspired neckwear.  Stacy's silk scarf almost seems like an ascot, and I, inspired by Stacy, wore a white shirt, men's tie and a buttoned, vneck boyfriend cardi with jeans the other day.  I ended up getting quite a few compliments.  It's unexpected and fun.
• For a cohesive look, keep the color palette to a minimum. Stacy's basic colors are shades of black, shades of denim, and white.

Most of the items Stacy is wearing have come from her store at one point or another.  Her boyfriend jeans (It's Ellie jean) will be available at Violet this Spring.  She's also wearing a Grandpa cardigan by Cullen, Denim Vest by Pink, Rebecca Taylor White Blouse, Blowfish Booties, Ralph Lauren Trouser socks, Adina Reyter hoop earrings, and a Vintage Replication brooch.

If you have more questions for Stacy, or would like to order from Violet, call her at 720-932-1655.

Hmmmm....I always forget about movies as fashion inspiration.  Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up with an old movie.  And be inspired. Dick Van Dyke? Who knew? 

Thanks, Stacy!  You look fantastic! 

xo,

S