What Lori's Women Want

The average Lori's shopper usually wants one of two things ... or should I say one of both things: a shoe that can be dressed up and down, and an easy shoe—low maintenance and easy to accessorize. No bells and whistles, these woman want the "Everyday Shoe." Merging these demands into a single, ideal shoe is no easy feat.

Calvin Klein's Olive in black patent

Of course, the ideal varies.

Women in the office are looking for a sturdy practical heel for daily wear. These women love Calvin Klein’s Olive in either leather or patent or Franco Sarto’s Luxe in Dune, Black or Cognac. Vaneli is a must for women with narrow feet, who often have trouble finding pumps that fit well. Enter Undine, Dizzy, Urseline and Ulan. These styles are low or moderate in height, sturdy and feminine.

Steve Madden's Fantastik in khak

Then you have your brand enthusiasts. These trendy women follow a brand religiously, seeking out styles from a particular designer to build their collection. Jeffrey Campbell is the leader of the brand pack in the store. (Sam Edelman comes in at a respectable second.) I cannot tell you how many women come in looking for the über-fierceness that is Jeffrey Campbell. JC women are looking for shock appeal—they want their shoes to pop. Comfort is not a necessity ... it's more of a plus.

Being a JC connoisseur, this is where I shine. (Hi, Lori’s women! Meet me, Ashley: adamant lover of all chunky, heeled things stacked on platform.) When I look for shoes I am concerned about getting height with minimal pain. Anything in boot/wedge/platform shapes sets my heart a-flutter.

Boots are still and will forever be my ideal heel. If you like the coverage and look of a boot, short boots are a great lead-in to summer. They look super cute when paired with girly patterned dress and skinnies. Vic Matie, Sam Edelman, Progretto and Via Spiga are always crowd pleasers in this category.

To keep it truly simple every day, go with the classic ballerina. It’s easy, it goes with anything from skinnies to dresses. The flat gladiator is a similar favorite as it adds a bit of oomph without causing a stir.

Wedges and chunky heels are no-brainers. They are this season's ideal shoe. Our star wedges have been Vaneli’s Dandy, Steve Madden’s Fantastik and Matisse’s Lovee for their uncanny resemblance to Stuart Weitzman’s rope design. For dressier occasions wedge and chunky heel lovers are always into a shoe with a platform such as the forever popular Irina by Pour la Victoire. The signature double-stack platform is akin to that of a YSL.

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and creator of Stiletto Chic


   

All Dressed Up In Blue: Michael Antonio’s Gezana

Bright, eye-popping, attention-grabbing hues are all the rage—there have been sightings from Paris to London to New York Fashion Weeks.

There’s nothing I love more than a vibrant shade of blue-violet (ultramarine, to be exact). My closet has been begging for a sister shoe in this exact shade in the form of a wedge platform pump for ages ... okay, for at least a season.

Cue Michael Antonio’s Gezana in Navy. It is the flame to which my moth is drawn. Divine fashion intervention, I tell you!

This wedge also has your name written all over it, ladies! Take a look below for inspiration on how to integrate the Gezana into your wardobe!

 

'80s Crazies

As we all know, today’s fashion "dos" are really re-dos of fashion trends past with a new kick. Can you say "Heathcliff Huxtable"? The doctor never looked made color blocking look this good. This is a classic example of how to pair a bold print with an even bolder shoe. Feel free to replace motorcycle jean legging with a dark skinny to keep it truly simple.
7 CHI Mally clutch available at Lori’s.

 

Things That Go Va-Va-Voom

Sexin’ it up with this look. Balancing out the sexy with feminine frills is key. I love a risqué top paired with a blazer or snug jacket. You can also switch out the motorcycle jean for a dark jean and still get the same effect, just taken down a notch.

 

The Rachel Zoe

Ba. Na. Nas. We nod to the queen of all things excessive.  The black faux fur, the classic feminine bow on the top paired with the basic jean screams daytime lunch date.  Find the most classic pieces you own, add the Gezana = instant. 

 

Glitzy Geometrics

Words cannot express how much I love this look!  Tribal, ethnic prints are dominating fashion.  This high waist harem pant just does it for me! The addition of the simple white v-neck is to balance out the business of the pant and the wedges. This neutral knotted necklace is the cherry on top.

Casual Chic

This look is carefree and relaxed. Form fitting cargos are a must! The jacket and the pants will create shape, juxtaposed against the looseness of the striped top.  The key here to select pieces that are typically not “dressy” enough to be worn with heels and then MAKE IT WORK.

Material Girl
Go hard or go home.  Iconic artist graphic tee (✔); Pyramid stud earrings (✔); Olive motorcycle jacket (✔); Skinny cargo pant (✔);  Armor ring (✔) 
[Pyramid stud earrings available at Lori’s]

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and creator of Stiletto Chic

A Few of Ashley's Favorite Things: Wardrobe Must-Haves

I get a lot of questions from customers and friends about what key pieces that they need in their closet. How do you make sure that your wardrobe is fresh and nothing yells “Yo! Circa Fall 2010”?

Most of us do not have large amounts of disposable income. We cannot go out and buy every “it” item of the season. Rather, make a plan: when shopping decide on a few trends, capitalize and get creative. That fur scarf that you bought in the Fall can now be clipped to your favorite blazer or sweater for chilly, early spring days. The nude pump is still your everything, every season, go-to shoe.

Here is a list to round out your wardrobe staples ... affordably. These pieces are in-demand this season but have a life beyond any one season.

• Motorcycle jacket 
• Tailored/semi-structured blazer 
• (Faux) fur item in the form of a snood (love these!), scarf or fur vest
• Leopard (one piece will do ... for more, space out: a scarf and a pump)
• Brightly colored, neon and nude pumps
• Feminine embellishments (lace, beadwork, ruffles, overlay, embroidery)
• Sheer tops
• Skinny cargos/legging jeans
• Tribal/boho print items and accessorizes
• Nautical/stripes
• Polka dots
• Wedges, wedges, wedges

I've styled my favorites below. Take a look at a few of my fashion staples!

Tailored/Semi-Tailored Blazer
This item is an incredibly important transition piece from fall/winter to spring. In other words, it is a year-round staple. Wear it with a jean and oversized top in the colder months then transition it over a dress or pair it with a skinny jeans or cutoffs for the warmer months.

Motorcycle Jacket
Another core item that every girl should own. This is not your mother’s bulky-shouldered, fringe-adorned jacket, so go simple and chic. Olive or taupe are great color options! Moto jackets are awesome for spring and will add a pop of color during cooler seasons. (I personally love crinkled leather.) BB Dakota jacket available at Lori’s.

Leopard
Well, I see you got your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat. Whether or not you love Dylan, heed his observation: this print has made a grand comeback! No longer synonymous with older, fusty looks, leopard is young and daring. No need to go overboard though—invest in a leopard scarf, a pump, accessories. I love dyed leopard in pinks or purples—a nice deviation from the standard black and brown print. In the words of Rachel Zoe, “have the courage to wear leopard.”

Polka-dots
This cutesy trend is huge for Spring/Summer 2011. These darling strappy sandals would look great with a white, slim-fitting dress or dark skinny jean and white top. The bright colors against the sheer black top? Love.

Pumps: Brightly Colored and Nude
I’m a huge fan of the brightly colored pump! My favorite shade is the deep ultramarine blue shown above ... adds instant sass to any outfit.

Faux Fur
Faux or real, it’s all right by me. This is one trend that you cannot overlook!

Prints: Geometric and Floral
Prints galore! Think "Three’s Company": these are the prints that you need to look for. Very retro. Floral. Go crazy—well, tastefully crazy. One Mrs. Ferley is enough.

Nautical
I cannot explain to you how much I love stripes! Keep in mind your body type and height. If you are smaller in stature like me not only are you obviously awesome, but you need to exercise caution. Go for horizontal stripes when possible. Otherwise, make sure to keep the stripes up high in the form of a top with a snug upper portion so as not to dress an unwanted bulky look.

Accessories
I live for accessories. Geometric shapes, classic pieces, tribal and bohemian influences are all the rage in jewelry. Keep a look out when browsing!

—Ashley Lacey, Lori’s Armitage Staff and creator of Stiletto Chic


   

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


   

Spring Bags (and some Fall Holdovers)

Aren't you tired of fashion's conventional wisdom?


Don't wear black with brown. No white after Labor Day. Stick to one texture. Your belt must match your shoes. Flannel is for lumberjacks.

These fashion "don'ts" are now the biggest DOs of the season!

When shopping for bags this spring remember that the old rules no longer apply. A lot of women pigeonhole themselves when looking for spring bags. Some think that their bag must be light colored, bright colored, no greys or browns. Says who? Yes, generally, as the seasons change the fashions do brighten up, but you can still integrate some of your favorite fall bags into your spring wardrobe.

Here are my favorite Lori's spring pieces as well as those from fall that may continue on active duty:

Will Leather Goods Lancaster Messenger available at Loris

The Lancaster bag is definitely ready for spring. The olive canvas and brown leather look great together and won’t clash with your wardrobe The mixed textures and rustic look give this bag a functional Americana vibe that we love. Tote your laptop or get kitted out for fieldwork!

Mushroom by Oryany

Oryany bags have exceptional quality and the hardware is sturdy and unique. The two-tone color of the Mushroom is neutral and right on trend.

Melie Bianco

Grey was huge this fall. This Melie Bianco bag is a great example of one that can easily transition into spring. Note the tassels—another huge trend this season.

Chocolate by Oryany

Another Oryany bag, I love the shape and the carrying options provided. Use the top handles to carry i like a tote or fold it in half for a floppy under-shoulder clutch, or simply leave the hands out of it with a cross-body strap.

Pink by Sondra Roberts

This Sondra Roberts clutch is the definition of femininity.  It has been one of my favorite bags for a long time!  The pink has spring written all over it!  It is also available in purple, black, ivory and taupe.

Whiting & Davis

The white shimmer in this gorgeous clutch makes it a perfect companion to just about any outfit!

Ricky Designs

This ethnic piece by Ricky Designs is one of kind and sure to cause a stir! Wear it with a brightly colored dress or go neutral and add it for a pop of color.


—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and creator of Stiletto Chic


   

The Latest Resort: Spring 2011

For many, ‘tis the season for planning winter cruises and destination trips. My, what to wear? Even if you are not traveling, plan to freshen up your wardrobe in preparation for spring. Take a cue from Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Dior and Scognamiglio and go fluorescently retro. The runways are alive with prints—gingham, nautical, feminine florals, pretty pastels and other decorated extras. The "return of the stewardess" has inspired clean lines and daring hems.

Left to Right: Jil Sander, Nina Ricci, Sportmax

Left to Right: Burberry Prorsum, Christian Dior, Proenza Schouler

I love the colors here. Although some of these items may be a bit much for everyday wear (such as the Sander skirt), we can still glean a couple tips from these designers:

1. Show a little leg. The majority of these looks are above the knee, so go tastefully short. 
2. Color is your new BFF. If neon is not your thing, stick to shades that appeal to you ... but lighten up! If hot pink is a bit much, opt for a softer baby blue or green. Mix a vibrant color with a jean or dark bottom to balance your palette. And don’t be afraid of the colored slinky shoe!

DVF is everything that I love about fashion. Her designs are wearable and invigorating. Her use of print is notoriously awesome. Take a gander at my favorite looks from her Resort 2011 collection:

What's not to love about this effortlessly chic look?
This shade of blue-purple is just heavenly.
Love it paired with the white and a bit of black in the top.

I am in love with this print.
The neutral tones mixed with pale blue is amazing.
When picking your own prints make sure
they are complimentary to the undertones in your skin.

The lesson here? Super-short shorts are in!
Go with a lightweight, patterned fabric for pop
or settle on a solid, brightly colored romper for spring.
Safe to say the wrap sandal has made a comeback. 

This darling mini shift dress is great
especially when paired with shades & white gladiators. 

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and editor of Stiletto-Chic


   
 

The Little Black (Holiday) Dress

The “Little Black Dress” is tailored, chic sophistication—its hue and simplicity no doubt contributing to its longstanding popularity. Invented in 1926 in Paris by fashion maven Coco Chanel, this dress never seems dated, regardless of the year. The L.B.D. reinvented the way women wore black, becoming a permanent staple in cocktail and evening wear. The L.B.D. was often paired with one or two strands of pearls, simple black pumps and matching pearl or diamond earrings. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (her dress was Givenchy). It holds a special place in the closets and hearts of many women.

The holidays are upon us! Whether the parties are work-related or involve family and friends, we want to look our very best. Since dress code varies from one holiday event to another, it makes sense to pick a L.B.D. that is more timeless. If you stick to the book, wear the L.B.D. classically: sleeveless, knee length with a high scoop neck. Rely on your shoes and accessories to update your look from one event to another.

Sometimes I draw from the idea of the L.B.D. while adding an edge for a look that is a bit more exciting. I personally love the L.B.D. with a lace overlay, opaque black tights and black pump or bootie. (I simply love black.) Puffed, single-sleeve dresses are all the rage right now (as are sequined dresses). If your holiday party is laid-back, consider these as options. Keep in mind that you can also mix and match textures and couple your L.B.D. with edgier shoes and accessorizes!
 
Must your L.B.D. be black? Why not set your sights on a dress that is partially black? Chanel said fashion is in the streets, and the streets are alive with COLOR. Add nudes, reds, olives, blues, whatever you wish. Who knows—maybe it will up your chances of being caught beneath the mistletoe!

Sondra Roberts bag available at Lori's Shoes.

Steve Madden Mercyy available at Lori's Shoes.

Sam Edelman Jagger available at Lori's Shoes.

Clutch and ring available at Lori's Shoes.

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and editor of Stiletto-Chic