Socks and Stilettos

I have long been a fan of wearing socks with heels. I’ll wear a knee sock with an open toed bootie or a closed toed stiletto. I think it knocks an otherwise staid ensemble a little left of center in only the best way. Plus socks are cozy as heck, and if you can’t afford to buy a pair of knee high or thigh high boots, the humble footsie accessory can help you achieve a similar look on the cheap. Here I’ve chosen to contrast my deep burgundy Sergio Rossi pumps with a dark grey woolen sock. On top I’ve layered a faux fur vest over a long sleeve T-shirt and a fitted black mini skirt. It’s cool, cute and comfortable. In short, the sock is an easy outfit addition that makes a major impact. Try it! You might like it.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Uniqlo Knee Socks; Gianvito Rossi Pumps; 6 Shore Road by Pooja Faux Fur Vest; American Apparel Long Sleeve Jersey T-shirt; H&M Black Jersey Mini Skirt

The (Not So) Humble Hoodie

I’ll take mine in cashmere. However you wear yours, the hoodie is a wardrobe staple that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, it’s become the gotta-have-it item of the season. Just ask the good people at Vogue. And thank goodness, ’cause it’s what I reach for when I need to feel cozy, or comforted. It’s kind of like a wearable hug. Too bad the old softie has become a lightning rod in the last few years. Its reputation wrongly sullied by an unfortunate series of race-related police events. Perhaps that’s why we’ve seen so many of them on the Fall 2016 runways. The fashion flock loves to stir the pot dontcha know. Everyone from J.W. Anderson, who just showed his collection during London Fashion Week, to Alexander Wang, who showed his edgier interpretations in NYC, embraced the hoodie as one of their own. To make this old friend new again, wear it in surprising ways. I paired it with a mini skirt here, but you could just as easily wear it with a long gown. That’ll get a conversation going. I’ll zip it now, so you can too.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Mango Plush Hoodie; American Apparel Ponte Mini Skirt; Adidas Stan Smiths

Take the Plunge

Plunging necklines are a thing. Just ask Olivia Wilde, Kirsten Dunst or Jenna Dewan-Tatum. And I’m guessing Dakota Johnson and beauty queen Olivia Culpo would have a thing or two to say about the daring-cum-easy breezy trend. So I figured I’d, well, take the plunge too. My little electric blue skater dress (which is a party in the front and the back… have I taken leave of my senses?? Possibly, but I also think it’s working for me.) from American Apparel fits the bill, and my body, nicely. It’s not a trend for the shrinking violet but if you’re feeling gutsy, then by all means bust it out. Get it? Bust…? Love me a good pun, and a worthy style challenge.

With love,

Amanda