New Favorites at Lori's Shoes

It's been an exciting, busy week with lots of new items arriving each day. Check out a few of our favorites from the past week.

One of our favorite Sam Edelman pumps from Fall has been given a fresh makeover for Spring. We love the washed light blue denim and espadrille-inspired jute platform. As always, the teardrop cut-out at the toes adds unique charm. Novato's towering height and sexy silhouette is a great way to dress up your new summer maxi dresses and skirts. 

We love Jesslyn Blake's bags for their super-soft and eco-friendly, re-purposed leather. The Emma clutch is big enough to carry more than just your lipstick and credit card but still small enough to carry by hand. We especially love the contrasting sizes of the ball clasp closure—a quirky accent. 

We love this statement necklace for its unique design, like it time-traveled to us from an ancient Mayan city. Hammered brass plates are joined by a brass chain adding to the antiqued look. Dress it up with a summer dress and your favorite wedges, or dress it down worn over a tank or cami.


   

Killed the Young Dudes in High Boots

Last decade brought out the Carrie Bradshaw shoe lover in all of us. We learned how easy "dolled-up" can be—moving from weekday rhinestones to a party outfit just by adding a pair of heels. Even though this isn't such a killer heel, the Bacchus is perfect for making your outfit breathe more spring!

When the springtime comes, match those shoes with bare legs, a nude dyed dress and some cute, white socks. For a cute vintage look you can match it with a old leather bag and big '70s glasses. (We certainly will!)

—Mira & Thilda of 365Days

IKVÄLL: SOLSIDAN, TACOS OCH ANNAT SVENNE-MYS. Ett extra plus är att helgen varar en hel vecka den här gången: ett mycket välbehövt lov som är späckat med planer och idéer som är i väntan på att förverkligas. Kan ge er en liten ledtråd om att vi kommer använda levande fjärillar som accossarer under veckans gång! GLAD FREDAG!

(skor - Boutique 9 Bacchus Lorisshoes (<3), halsduk - Flippa K, byxdress - Modcloth, kavaj/jacka - Edieseyes)

_thilda

♣ translation: This evening I'm just going to eat tacos and celebrate a whole week of holidays. Can give you a little hint that we are going to use butterflies as accessorize in a photo shoot troughout the week! HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND GUYS!

 

   

Jeffrey Campbell Skate

Jeffrey Campbell's Skate has arrived and we can't wait to be seen in it! Simple black leather wraps the foot with an open toe - but the real excitement is on the bottom. A whimsically carved heel sits within an open wooden base, adding the ice skate look. 

The natural unfinished wood is right in tune with Spring, but we were thinking - how bad would it be to mark up that naked wood base with some color? Maybe some flowers, polka dots or zig zags? Or maybe just some fresh colorful paint? Hmmm. It could be like the paint-your-own-shoe version of paint-your-own-pottery. Food for thought...

Give 'Em the Slip: Dressing Up a Trend

Give 'em the slip: Low-cost vintage finds are a foundation for winter-to-spring looks.

A trend that has taken the blog world by storm is the maxi skirt. From soft, translucent tulle to rich velvet, a maxi skirt is a staple in every girl's wardrobe this spring. My favorite version of the maxi is a long vintage slip skirt. I love the romantic drape of this semi-opaque, silky fabric. (Not to mention you can snag them super-cheap from local thrift stores. I purchased my skirt for under five dollars!)

When sourcing your own vintage maxi slip skirt here are some tips:

• Look for slips with unique details like lace trim or long slits;
• Classic colors like nude, black, gray or red will give your look sophistication.

An outfit option with a long maxi skirt (vintage or new) is wearing it as a strapless dress. Cinch it with a belt or two and accentuate your waist while giving the dress shape. Thinking outside the box with garments can completely transform your wardrobe possibilities and pull winter pieces into the spring season effortlessly.

These Dolce Vita Jade wedges are another staple to my spring wardrobe. What won me over with these adorable sandals was the extreme comfort, their ability to match everything in my closet and, most importantly, the long dangling tassel at the back of the heel. I'm a sucker for anything with tassels. I have no clue why. Maybe it's because I love classic pieces with unexpected little extras—like vintage slip, like Dolce Vita!

—Kitty of Geisha Pearl

 

    

Handbag Trending Topics

While sunny L.A. is slllowwly starting to heat up and Chicago is, well, not, there are always accessories to help beat the winter blues. What says “I WANT SUN” more than a brightly colored handbag? I’m talking anything from neon to striped, like so:

Oh, Hello, Ms. Eco-friendly, inexpensive and screaming Spring!

As an added bonus this Melie Bianco is of the structured set—another smokin’ trend this season.

Pair this dandy with a less-structured outfit, say, an oversized boyfriend cardigan or a loose-fitting dress (with black sash, natch).  The contrast of shapes and textures is nothing less than perfection.

And last but certainly not least.  If you haven’t picked up on the Aztec-inspired, geometrically tiled prints trend, then you just aren’t paying attention ladies (and gents)!  This slouchy delight can fit all the necessities and still scream ready for Spring!

Valentine's Day Favorites

Okay, ladies. You've only got the weekend left to shop before Valentine's Day. I'm sure many of you are still trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone. But don't forget to dress to impress. Pick up the right shoe or accessory for Monday and you'll be set. Consider it a Valentine's Day gift to yourself. Or better yet, with a few clever hints you might get what you really want this Valentines Day.... 

An obvious choice, but stunning nonetheless. Pour La Victoire's Irina now comes in high-gloss patent leather in lipstick red with a sky-high heel. Easy to wear, no fuss. Just slip on with a little black dress and you are set.

Go glam with this compact wristlet clutch from Deux Lux. Bright sparkling crystals cover the large bow, with quilt-stitching adding a touch of sophistication.

This sweet necklace has a gold heart pendant with a tiny sparkling crystal. Definitely a winner.
If you're still looking for a gift for Monday you're cutting it a bit close (even with overnight shipping!). So be sure to check out our Lincoln Park, Northfield, and Highland Park stores over the weekend to find a unique gift for that special someone.

Tulles of the Trade: Wearing the skirt.

Tulle skirts bring out the little girl in all of us (do try to resist the urge to twirl and curtsy). Tulle conjures up images of pink ballerina slippers and, in general, being five years old—hence the sartorial conundrum: how do we look chic in our childhood clothes?

Many of us have prematurely decided that this is a trend we’ll be sitting out. The stakes are high, but I say forge ahead! It can be done, and done well. Channel the fashion spirit of Carrie Bradshaw. We all remember her famous tiered-tulle skirt in the opening sequence of SATC. She is a classic example of the tulle skirt worn perfectly simple, coupled with a neutral top and strappy sandals. She wore no accessories.

Carrie Bradshaw in the opening credits of "Sex and the City." Image: thefashionmagpie.com

The key to rocking the tulle skirt is balance. The skirt is your statement piece. It is the star of the show. Do not upstage it. Anything you add should serve to support the skirt.

Dress the tulle up based on your own personal style. Are you going for demure? Bad-ass? Menswear? Keep in mind that you can also settle on a ruffled or layered lace skirt for similar volume without the actual tulle.
 
Go with a nude, strappy sandal—minimalist and simple. A nude patent pump is another good choice. A pointy toe will balance the volume of the tulle. For a more classic look, top it off with a cardy or short blazer. On the other hand, black booties or moderate-height motorcycle boots are a way to add edge. 

Add accessorizes with color based on the color of your shoes. When choosing your bag, keep it neutral with pinks and nudes. The edgier the look the more indulgent you can be.

Take a look below some of my ideas on dressing the tulle skirt, featuring our new pink tulle skirt by BB Dakota!

Pink tulle skirt by BB Dakota at Lori's Shoes

Look 1: Flesh-toned Tulle
Simple. neutral. understated. A perfect outfit to accessorize. Perhaps a big ring or single charm necklace?
Love this McQueen clutch.

Look 2: Tulle Blackout!

This one is my absolute FAVE! I would wear this in a heartbeat. Black is my thing.
In this look the pink tulle provides a nice juxtaposition ... just so chic. What's not to love about this look?? 

Look 3: Hard-edged Tulle

Rock out! The addition of the JC boot is a nice alternative to black—it keeps the look light.
Obsessed with this skeleton cuff.

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and creator of Stiletto Chic


   

Sock It To Me!

There was an absolutely fierce debate on Intermix’s Facebook the other day: is it acceptable to wear tights with open toe shoes? The reply from the crowd was a resounding "Absolutely Not!"

I beg to differ.

Photo by Jon Shaft

There is nothing finer right now than mixing up sweet shoes and flirty socks. It’s absolutely fantastic to go against the grain and show off your personality with super-fun accessories. Therefore, I took some of my favorites at Lori's to Black + White Loft where one of my favorite photographers—good friend Jon Shaft (assisted by the fantastic Dana Loftus)—shot me in a few of my favorite combos.

White socks are sure to pop a colorful print shoe. More intricate prints will carry a simple pump. And sparkly socks are a perfect pairing with a neutral shoe for evening!  So I say go forth in closed or open toes! Be fearless. Show off your hot socks while it’s still cold enough to do so (there are so many cute ones at Lori’s right now).

Who cares what anyone else thinks? If it keeps you warm and makes you smile, get mixed!

—April Francis of Haute Closet

Photo by Dana Loftus / Shoes: Pour La Victoire Ionia Silver Glitter Pump / Socks: French Curve @ Lori’sTop: Jack by BB Dakota Ivory Top / Pants: BB Dakota Green Pant

Photo by Jon Shaft / Shoes: Dolce Vida Jade Black Wedge / Socks: French Curve @ Lori’s

Photo by Jon Shaft

Photo by Jon Shaft / Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Miller Beige Leather Lace-ups / Socks: French Curve @ Lori’s / Blouse: Blaque Label Cream Blouse

Photo by Jon Shaft

Ahoy, Sailor!

To say that the nautical/sailor trend is on this spring is not quite right—it never went off. Every spring I see a new tweak to and cool variations of this style. As soon as I received these Jeffrey Campbell Ping Pongs, I couldn't help myself ... I had to create my own version.

Anchor shirt, check. Sailor hat, check. Nautical wedges, CHECK! I just had to add a pretty blazer and my version was done. I thought red was a pretty obvious jacket choice, so I chose coral because it compliments these rad, wickery platforms. (You have to give it to Jeffrey Campbell when it comes to lovely shoe surprises.)

Now all I need is a yacht to chill in and a tank of Cuba Libres, and I am good to go! Anchors aweigh!

—Anjelica Lorenz of Mode Junkie reporting from Germany.

The Case for Spring Loafers.

I have a fashion confession. You know the gladiator sandal craze that has monopolized the last two summers? Yeah, I hate them.

But just on me.

Whilst all of you hotties look like the Sartorialist is about to shoot you on the streets of New York, I simply look like my legs are half-sized.

Naturally I am ecstatic to see that loafers have made a grand resurgence! What with my Catholic School background, I have always had an affinity for loafer-like styles. You know—because I had no other choice.

The Jeffrey Campbell Hugh

Back in the hallways of said high school, it was a silent contest betwixt the girls to see who had the most perfectly worn-in kicks.

Let’s just say that I would have won had Jeffrey Campbell been around. I will be living in these shoes very soon. And here is how ...

Step One: Take your favorite button down (make sure it is wrinkled—bonus points for a missing button). 

Shirt available at Shopbop.com

Step Two: Add a high-waisted jean short.
 

Sass & Bide Wild Denim shorts

Step Three: Slide on your new JC Hughs—but wait! To maintain this effortlessly chic look we have going, slide them on like slippers, stepping on the backs. Sure, you may seem a little cocky, but who cares? You look great.

Step Four: Make sure your legs have a killer tan (see St. Tropez self-tanner).

— Kelly Ryan O'Brien