[Style Vault] – Christian Louboutin Nude Cut Out Lace Up Heels

I have been meaning to share in my [Style Vault] this stunning pair of Christian Louboutin heels that I bought last month as a birthday gift to myself.  (Last year I treated myself to a professional Canon camera as I wanted to invest in the very best, but this year, I decided I wanted a hot pair of shoes! ;)) If you thrive on fashion the way I do and have an appreciation for beautiful things, I’m sure you also dream about Christian Louboutin’s!  After shopping around, I came across these and really fell head over heels (slight pun intended):

My first pair of Christian Louboutin heels!

I own a lot of black shoes to begin with so it was nice to find this pair of nude heels.  I believe a nude shoe is also very practical, you just have to take extra good care of them.  I love all the styling details including the tassel lace-ups, the peep-toe, and the cut-outs.  I’m also all about a strong high heel and wouldn’t want it any other way!  It goes without saying that the quality is impeccable!  It is made of a smooth napa leather.  I plan on wearing these once the spring season approaches and will definitely showcase them in an upcoming [Outfit Post].

[Your thoughts?  How do you like to style a nude shoe?]

[Outfit Post] with a Leopard Print Bustier, Black Dress, Bold Belt, and Jeffrey Campbell Gold Unicorn Heels…A Flashy Fun Look

I’m happy to post my first outfit post of the year!  I actually haven’t officially worn this out yet, you guys are seeing it before anyone else does!  After I post this, going to get ready to actually leave the house wearing this.  I’m going out to celebrate a friend’s birthday tonight so I wanted to dress up for the occasion!  Enjoy loves!

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  I am wearing a black Guess mini sweater dress.  It actually has straps, but I tucked them underneath as I wanted it to look strapless.

The next layer is a Guess animal print bustier with black lace detailing towards the top.  If it didn’t have the black lace styling detail, I wouldn’t have been as inclined to buy it.  It’s funny how the little things are always what count most!

The wide black belt with gold bling at the center is a consignment store find.  I have been obsessed with this belt for many years now.  I don’t wear it all the time, but when I do, it really completes the look.

The shoes are Jeffrey Campbell.  I wore these in my last outfit post, so they should look familiar! ;)

[Where to wear this outfit]:  If you really want to know exactly, I’m heading off to Perle in New Brunswick tonight in this outfit.

[Stylish Notes]:

–  A lot of layering took place to create this look and I believe that great stylists are masters at effortlessly layering pieces to achieve one extraordinary final look.  Looking at this from afar, it looks like a one piece outfit, no?

[Styling Confession]:   Believe it or not, this is the first time in my life that I’m wearing sheer black tights (from Express).  For the longest time, I just wasn’t a huge fan of the idea.  However, with this look, I felt that opaque black tights would make the outfit appear “too black” and there was a need for the sheer tights.  I must admit, I’m totally digging them!

 – The wide belt at the center gives the illusion that I’m wearing a high-waisted skirt.  As you can see, the horizontal lines cut across the body in all the right places.

A closer look at the complete outfit. (Sorry it's a little blurry, but you get the idea).

In terms of makeup, I'm wearing a soft light bronze lip, brighter cheeks, and softer eye makeup.

[Thanks for viewing!  Thoughts?]

[Outfit Post] with Black Cami Dress + Sweater Shrug + Animal Print Heels…A Classy Black and White Combo with a Leopard Twist

Here is an outfit that I wore last night when going out for drinks for a friend’s birthday celebration.

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  I am wearing a black cami dress (meaning I guess it could be worn as a tunic but on me, it’s definitely a dress) from Guess.

The white cropped shrug is also from Guess.

The leopard print heels are from Guess.

[Wow, okay I am just realizing now that pretty much my entire outfit is from Guess.  I might as well be a spokesmodel for them at this point as I love their clothing that much].

The only item that is NOT from Guess are the black stirrups from Express (that I just re-purchased off Ebay since Express doesn’t carry black stirrups anymore).  I love stirrups so much.  I tried to capture what they look like with the heels in the photo above.

[Where to wear this outfit]:  As previously mentioned, this was a weekend going out look.  Although it’s simple enough and could maybe be worn more casually minus the leopard print heels.

[Stylish Notes]:

–  This is a VERY simple look for me while still having a good amount of visual impact.  I would classify this as simple because it’s mainly an all black outfit with a white shrug.  Basic colors, basic styling.

However, what gives it HIGH visual impact are the leopard print heels which serves as the statement piece of the final look and the silhouette that is created with this simple styling combo.  The cropped shrug seems to emphasize and bring attention to my small waistline.

 – As you will tend to notice and I’m sure I write about it pretty frequently, but I own a lot of cropped shrugs, tops, etc.  To me, they are key wardrobe essentials that serve as a building block to the perfect outfit.  In other words, they are great layering pieces.

Keep in mind, a HUGE component of great styling comes from being able to layer pieces successfully which will then ultimately create visual cohesion.  This is what we want as the end result.  

–  I love how I tied the shrug with the loose pieces dropping vertically.  I sometimes will tie this in a complete bow but in this stylingscenario, I find that leaving the loose pieces dangle down BREAKS UP the black (which is necessary or otherwise the black would be too dominating).

This outfit is classic and never goes out of style. I could probably wear this outfit ten years from now and it would still be stylishly acceptable.

[Thanks for viewing!  Thoughts?]

Stepping Into Fall with Some New Kicks – A Fall Shoe Preview: Madden Girl’s “Chapell” Shoe

Madden Girl "Chapell" heels - I adore these shoes and cannot wait to wear these during the fall season (although they are classic enough to wear anytime I'm sure).

I just bought these from Marshalls yesterday (I seriously find the best shoes there!).  I truly LOVE all the styling details of these heels and felt the urge to share these with everyone right away!  They also seem to be very comfortable.  I’ve always been a big fan of Madden Girl shoes because they are really affordable while still having a lot of style.

I think there are endless ways of styling these being that the shoe is classic and are black/nude (I love the contrast of colors).

[Your thoughts?]

[Outfit Post] with New Gold Heels…A Preppy Chic Look

I wore this outfit this past weekend on my way to a client that needed bridal makeup services.

Recently, I read a comment requesting I do an outfit post showcasing one of my new pairs of shoes and so here we have it!

It’s hard to see the shoes, but you can see that it goes nicely with this classy black and white striped dress, coordinated with a belt with gold embellishment at center.

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  Okay, I’m honestly not wearing anything all that fancy.  The black and white striped dress is from Forever 21, the shoes are Charles by Charles David (recently purchased at TJ Maxx), and the belt is vintage I believe, and I honestly don’t remember when I bought this!  I don’t own much vintage (unless it’s from my stylish mother’s closet that is), but I am a fan of vintage accessories because I know they are unique and can still look modernized.

Style Confession #1:  I absolutely LOVE this belt, but can I tell you that I think this may only be my second time wearing it?  And I’ve owned it for at least 3 years (yes, I’m wondering the same thing, how is that possible)!  I actually had tried on a few belts before choosing this one at the very end, but this honestly REALLY completes this look for me.  Although I have not worn the belt much, I’m happy it worked out perfectly with this ensemble.  It’s amazing how you can own something and rediscover it at just the right fashion moments! ;)

[Where to wear this outfit]:  Although I was wearing this to “work” (ah, how wonderful it is to be in such a glamourous industry), I think this look is also ideal for going out on a date, hanging out with friends for cocktails, going shopping, etc.  It’s just so versatile because it’s so classic!

[Stylish Notes]:

–  As I said, the belt really completes this outfit and also gives it style personality.  Also, without the belt, it would just be too boring staring at a black and white stripe dress and there NEEDED to be a visual “break-up” whether it be adding a belt to the center OR wearing a LONG necklace with an embellishment hanging.

Style Confession #2:  I’m actually incredibly petite.  I’m only about 5’1″…(I think 5 feet and 3/4 to be exact, but I always round up and say I’m 5’1″).  HOWEVER, you wouldn’t really make that assumption based on this photo.  Don’t I look at least 5’6″ here?!  Just saying!

–  This leads me to the next style note.  For petite frames especially, or anyone that wants to give the visual illusion of height…you will need to wear something with a short hemline (above the knees) with heels.  This instantly makes you look taller.  Hence, why I am always wearing heels (in reality though, flats are uncomfortable for me) AND shorter bottoms.  

–  I have a huge tendency to wear a lot of black and white.  The reason being they are opposite colors, which means they contrast.  In styling, I am ALL about creating contrast (example:  wearing a nude lip color and dark smokey eye, that’s contrast right there).  The style element (as I call it) of contrasting, creates visual interest.  It’s eye catching.  There’s an art to contrasting.  In clothing, I also love contrasting bright colors with dark colors for visual effects.

–  I actually don’t tend to rock the preppy chic look all that often, especially something as simple as a black and white stripe dress.  You can’t see the back of the dress, but that’s really what sold me…it’s slightly open with bows at the back!  Puts a nice stylish spin to such a simple striped dress.

–  Keep in mind that although the dress is quite simple in design, it’s the STYLING details that give it that extra edge.  I feel like I can walk into a room with this look and instantly capture an audience and I didn’t have to dress like Lady Gaga [meaning extremely dramatic] to have this effect.  Keep in mind that fashion statements can definitely be made in an understated way.  

[FASHION for Thought]:  When a person has great style, they automatically have what I like to call, “swagger.”  People notice them.  They carry themselves with such a heightened confidence and grace, that people just naturally can’t help but gravitate toward them because they have such a strong sense of who they are (and they’re not afraid to show it!)  That’s why I’m so passionate about style.  I think everyone has the full potential to have a sense of style with freedom to express it in any way possible.  This ultimately gives the person that swagger.

In case you were wondering what the makeup looked like up-close…

I was going for just a basic natural everyday look. This is typically the look I go for, soft and pretty!

 [Hope you enjoyed the outfit and its simplicity!  Any thoughts on my stylish notes?]