Spring Style - The Wedge

Spring is here meaning one day it's pouring rain, and the next it's sunny and 70 degrees.  My allergies are in full swing, the tulips in the park are OUT OF THIS WORLD amazing, and the sun is staying out longer.  Overall, I'm totally stoked it's spring (minus the allergy part) because that means it's time for warmer weather clothing options.  I'll be spending less days wearing my riding boots, and more days showing off my freshly manicured toes.

The wedge is the perfect shoe for spring, and it will carry you straight through to summer.  With cropped trousers (another favorite spring closet staple) wedges look smart and polished, and with a flippy skirt and jean jacket, they are perfect for warmer weather, and weekend wear.

A few of my favorites

If Money were No Option...

Spring Wedges by beckyc1923 featuring platform wedge heels

Christian Louboutin clear wedge heels / Givenchy strappy platform sandals / Rupert Sanderson high wedge / Missoni platform wedge heels, $705 / Burberry ankle wrap heels / Valentino platform wedge heels / Marc Jacobs canvas wedge / Marc by Marc Jacobs platform wedge heels / Kate Spade platform wedge heels

So yes, I realize that I cannot afford a single one of these shoes, but this is my little blog, and I can dream if I want to.  Trying to organized about it, I've grouped each row by wedge category for all other "type-a" people out there... for the classic, preppy wedge wearer, the first row will be right up your alley.

Delicate straps, brown leather, and nautical navy and white stripe details are perfection.  The second row is for the more adventurous, and after the dark colors of winter, who doesn't want a little coral, tangerine or aqua happening on their feet.  Finally the classic espadrille - a little more casual, with natural fiber woven wedges and an earthy quality.

You won't Max Out your Credit Cards...

Wedges - take II by beckyc1923 featuring platform sandals

Tory Burch platform sandals / Tory Burch shoes / 7 For All Mankind wedge sandals / J.Crew platform sandals / Steve Madden high heel shoes / Zara leather strappy sandals / INC International Concepts high heel shoes / Kelly & Katie sandals / RMK Tamique Turquoise Patent, $78

Welcome back to the world of reality... these are shoes we can all afford.  Each row is categorized the same as the first looks... classic, colorful, and espadrille.

Are you as obsessed with the ombre platform on the orange strappy wedge in the center?? And those stripes on the wedge to the far right, center row.  If only online shopping were a little less accessible!

Valentine's Day Gifts... for her

Valentine's Day is upon us, and if you are looking for a little last minute inspiration of what to get your sweetheart (or better yet, what to treat yourself to) I've pulled together a short list of things I'd love!

Nothing over the top, but pretty little somethings to add a little spring to your step.

Poppy colored Skirt - nobody does preppy like Banana Republic.  I actually treated myself to this skirt yesterday, and aside from being the perfect length for work, the pleats are ultra flattering!

Pink Leather Handbag - hello ladylike.  You could wear this bowler as a crossbody bag, or use the handles for the ultimate ladylike look.

Pretty Lace-trimmed Nighty - how cute is this with the black and white stripes, and the little bit of pink?!

Pave Chain-link Bracelet - yep, this bracelet will pretty much top my list for any occasion... I am still in love!

Lacquer Bangle - a fun addition to your outfit on a gloomy February day.

Leopard Clutch - I am LOVING animal print now, more than ever - wear this as a neutral!  I swear it goes with everything you own!

Pink Clarisonic - I have the blue one, and it's amazing.  Treat yourself (or your girlfriend)... it's worth every penny.

Bouquet of Peonies - because these are the most romantic flower out there...

Coral Studs - for a little something sparkly...

J'adore Peplum

Ok people - I mentioned last year how I LOVE peplum.  Not just LOVE but LOOOOVVVVVEEEEE.

It's been an ongoing love affair for me, and I couldn't be happier now that I've seen it blowing up everywhere.  It's lady-like, flattering, and totally on trend right now.  I've found myself wearing peplum to work, to brunch, and to go out with girlfriends.  It seriously is the best comeback since leggings (um stretchy pants are back from my childhood??  HELL yeah!)

Need some inspiration??  Well even if you don't, I'm going to give it to you... here we go!

PEPLUM TAKES YOU FROM WORK TO PLAY:

Day to Night Peplum by beckyc1923 featuring a ribbed shirt

Mango ribbed shirt / Blue top, $24 / HUGO high waisted skirt / Schutz pointed toe pumps, $200 / Kate Spade leather handbag / Kate Spade handcrafted jewelry / Gorjana

Need to head into the office, but don't have time to go home and change before going out to nice dinner or happy hour?  Presto chango - take off the cardigan, add a snazzy necklace and you are set!

Kate Spade is the queen of the ladylike bag, and this one is large enough to carry your wallet, car keys, rolled up cardigan, and a pair of ballet flats (for the walk home) but it's not so big as to be obnoxious at a crowded bar scene.

Nude heels?  Classy enough for work, sexy enough to play... and can you really say no to something that makes your legs look longer??  Me either.  Plus that capped toe?  Fierce.

PEPLUM GETS FUNKY:

Modernized Peplum by beckyc1923 featuring leather boots

MSGM lace tank / Mango bike pants, $44 / Givenchy leather boots / Cross body handbag / Bangle bracelet, $140 / McQ by Alexander McQueen wrap bracelet, $110 / Fantasy Jewelry Box chain bracelet / Viva La Diva lip makeup, $14

Not every look with peplum has to channel Mad Men - updating this silhouette with bright colors, or interesting materials makes it modern, and edgy.  Neon yellow anyone??

I love this with leather leggings, and sexy strappy caged booties.  Bracelets upon bracelets are all you need - you do not want a big necklace to compete with this top - and sexy Bardot inspired makeup would be so perfect - big eyelashes and pale lips.

The hair should be big and voluminous and I love the idea of another bright accessory (to avoid looking like a bumblebee in all that yellow and black).  Purple and yellow are opposites, and they always look fabulous together.

PEPLUM GOES CASUAL:

Daytime Peplum by beckyc1923 featuring j crew

Forever New cut out shirt, $31 / Madewell cotton jacket / J.Crew j crew / Tory Burch genuine leather handbag / American Apparel leather strap watch

Nope - I'm not insane.  Yes, it's January, but with sunny weather here in California that is close to 70 degrees, I couldn't help myself!  For those of you freezing your tootsies off somewhere on the East Coast, put this one in the back pocket for this summer, when I'm here bundled up in the fog!

Nautical stripes, and yellow pants scream preppy, which I love, loooveeee, LOOVEEEEE.  These leopard loafers are comfy, and stylish.  Need I say more?  Grab the jean jacket that literally goes with everything, and a side slung brown leather bag, and you are set for anything - shopping, lunching, brunching, wine tasting, or just kicking back with a good book.

Jump on the peplum train y'all - I promise you won't look back!
xo

Spring Florals

Source

Adorable right??

Yeah, I think so too.  I found this look on Pinterest (where else) and fell kind of in love.  I am trying to put together looks from my own closet that mimic this sweet look as the weather has turned absolutely spring-like.

This first outfit will be better for the cooler more wintery days, when floral just feels necessary despite the weather.  The muted colors feel more "winter" than "summer", so you won't get those "are you freaking crazy" looks from strangers on the street.  Also, a thick trench and booties are still "practical" for January / February, so even though you're dressed for cooler weather, you'll still feel ready for spring.

Winter Florals by beckyc1923 featuring a flare skirt

Dolce & Gabbana long sleeve blouse, $635 / Wool trench coat / Emilio De La Morena flare skirt, $365 / ASOS studded high heels / Forever New , $74

And this second look is perfect for those rare, sunny warm days, when you have a fresh spray tan, and are ready to show off those legs!  Amen sister!

Speaking of showing legs... must I really MUST start doing squats again...

Spring Floral by beckyc1923 featuring pendant jewelry

Equipment silk shirt / Vero Moda , $18 / Pull&Bear high heel, $95 / Leather handbag / Nouv-Elle pendant jewelry, $45

Happy (almost) spring!!

xoxo