#TBT – Vintage Inspiration

My friend Michelle, of Michelle Cox Photography, did a vintage-style photo shoot of me in 2010.  I wanted to look like my late Aunt Stephie did in photographs I have of her from the mid to late 1940s and my Mother wanted some frame-able portraits, so it was a win-win!  My Aunt Stephie was very fashionable and, now in my older and wiser years, is one of my style inspirations!

Here are just a few of my favorites, plus a few of Aunt Stephie for your TBT enjoyment.

NOTE TO SELF: Incorporate more menswear into wardrobe… ❤

Cocktail Look – Bodycon One Shoulder LBD and Metallic Nude Accessories

First things first: the event.

This was the Museum of Science and Industry’s 31st Annual Black Creativity Gala and Juried Art Show.  The evening raises money for the Black Creativity program which reaches more than 25,000 students, their teachers and families in underserved Chicago neighborhoods each year with a wide range of targeted, culturally-relevant science education programming.  It also provides exposure for African-American youth to careers, educational pathways and other opportunities in science, technology, engineering and medicine.  A great cause and a beautiful evening.

Now the look.

Oh Tadashi Shoji.  You are an amazing designer.  Your creations grace the Red Carpet as well as the closets of Nordstrom-addicts, such as myself.  We bow to you and your greatness.  ❤

I originally purchased this one-shoulder cocktail dress in 2010 for a charity event I was attending for work.  Four years and many events later, it’s still fashion-forward and shows no signs of wear.  The slightly bandage-esque design works like ruching and adds a really interesting pattern while still in all black.

Underneath I wore Spanx Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Body Smoother (my personal favorite of the Spanx line because you do not need pliers and some serious stamina to pull it on and once it’s on it doesn’t roll down) and LB’s Multi-Way Strapless Bra (by far the best and most comfortable strapless bra I’ve ever used).

The accessories: The bracelet and earrings are INC from Macy’s (and actually from my friend’s wedding this past October!).  The ring is Ariella Collection from Nordstrom (which I own in silver and gold).  Shoes are Cole Haans featured in the last post.

P.S.  There was a macaroon bar at the dessert station.  YES and yummmmm!

SHOES – My favorite everyday looks in sizes 10.5 and 11

I should be honest that, given NW Indiana and Chicago are in the Polar Vortex Part Deux: The Revenge right now, I’m actually not wearing any of these favorite picks at the moment…only my Sorel snow boots (which, I should add, are one of the best shoe purchases I’ve made in years, but that’s another post for another day).

Nonetheless, as a true size 10.5 to 11, I’ve taken my fair share of disappointments when it comes to shoe shopping.  Finding a size 10.5 is a miracle in itself, when a lot of retailers only carry 5 or so pairs of each shoe above a size 8.5–which makes absolutely no sense by the way!  Luckily, wonderful places like Nordstrom, Zappos, Macy’s, Talbots, Cole Haan and DSW exist, where all of us double-digit sized ladies can shop stress-free.

I don’t have particularly wide feet, but they’re not a true medium width either, so I fluctuate between a 10.5 and 11 depending on the designer, material type and general shoe type (flat vs. heel, etc).  Today I’m featuring some flat and low-heeled styles that I absolutely love.  No sock weather will be here before we know it, so get those non-boot wheels turning!

 

STYLE #1: Classic ballet flat from Talbots.  Never goes out of style and works with any outfit. I have these in this red leather, a nude leather and a grey suede.  My size: 11.

STYLE #2: Edgy smoking slipper.  These fashion-forward little numbers are from Target!  I love the metallic finish and the spiked heel!  They look great with an ankle pant or skinny jean. My size: 11.

STYLE #3: Comfortable nude leather peep toe from Cole Haan.  These have the Nike Air shocks in the insoles, which makes them very easy for long-wear.  The nude color compliments anything from casual to fancied up and the little pop of gold on the heel adds that little extra polish! My size: 10.5.

STYLE #4: Tassled burgundy business flat from Joan and David.  These are my absolute favorite work shoes and go just as well with a full suit as they do with a casual Friday dark jean and blazer.  My size: 11.

STYLE #5: Suede stack-heeled ankle booties by Sam Edelman.  As you can see, I have them in black and nude-grey colors.  They are very comfortable to walk around in and perfect for cooler days sans bad weather.  I’ve put a few waterproof coatings on them, but I wear them so much they’re getting pretty beaten up.  My size: 10.5.

These are from Zappos and the style comes in MANY different fabrics and colors to suit everyone’s taste.  I recommend highly!

Round Face / Chubby Cheeks – Eyewear Looks from Warby Parker

Thanks to Warby Parker’s fabulous and free at-home try on service, you can check out 5 styles without leaving your bedroom.  I have a very round face and big apple cheeks, so finding glasses that fit my face width, don’t get wonky when I smile, are stylish and aren’t $300+ has been a challenge.  Here’s what happened:

 

STYLE Linwood Violet Magnolia: Didn’t even fit my face.  Felt like they were going to bust in half.  But pretty frame style!

STYLE Seymour Tennessee Whiskey: Still a little small.  Didn’t like the clear bottom.  Too boxy.

STYLE Benson Greystone: Way too boxy.  Kind of creepy serial killer vibe.  Nay.

STYLE Langhorne Striped Evergreen: My #2 pick.  They fit with no problem.  Just not a big fan of the big bridge piece.

STYLE Marshall Striped Sassafras: My #1 pick.  The slightly less square shape complimented my face very nicely.  The width fit perfectly.  The style makes me feel very Miranda Priestley!  Purchased.

*This post is not sponsored by Warby Parker.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.