This past year I’ve been trying to “soften” up my image: for years I’ve dressed in crisp basics–dark denim, jewel-neck cardis, jackets, white tees. (I just can’t help it–I worked in the legal field for too many years!!) I think the look is pretty but it’s also pretty no-nonsense, and I want to inject some softness and flowy-ness and easy-going-ness (howdya like all those adjectives?) into my appearance. So I’ve been experimenting with long necklaces and wispy bangs and long open cardigans and flowing scarves. I think I’m making progress, but I would love some tips from the pros.read more
I have been having some challenges mixing and matching “tougher” and more feminine pieces and textures lately. I wondered if you could offer some other examples/pics in a tutorial on this topic? For example, I was looking for some dark brown boots with a bit of a heel to wear with dresses of more “pretty/formal” fabrics than my usual jersey type this fall. I tried on the Adriana Luna boots (that I’ve admired on your blog!) in dark brown and love them. Can’t decide whether to invest, though, because I am wondering if they are versatile enough to go with fairly dressy dresses, or would always look too western and rugged. I would like to combine elements of both (a la Sundance Catalog but somewhat toned down) but the fabrics/textures always confuse me! I feel I risk looking totally mis-matched rather than intentionally stylish! But I am such a novice at this.read more
So Steve Madden, right? I remember the 90s and how having a pair of his shoes was a BIG DEAL back then. (At least to teenagers such as myself.) And then the brand shifted out of favor for a while, and now it’s just a mainstream, accessible, solid brand. (My most worn pair of shoes is by Steve Madden.)
But Freebird by Steven – a newish offshoot of the parent brand – is a different story. For one thing, it’s WAY more expensive, so always poke around Amazon and eBay before pulling the trigger. But for another, the designs are edgy and tough, made from gorgeously distressed leathers, and adorned with subtle details and creative hardware. I am so very smitten with this brand.read more
About Sally
Sally McGraw is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer, blogger, and editor.
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