Merchandise It: Texture Frenzy

The Lori's Insider Report

—Ashley Lacey, Lori's staff and author of Stiletto-Chic

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to "merchandise it up" in the words of my fashion icon, the über-fab Carrie Bradshaw. (I am well aware that she is fictional but to me, she lives.)

I love to create a multi-dimensional look centered around one core item. It is paramount to have a statement piece, whether it be a pair of platforms, a necklace, a bracelet or a bag. Pick an item to be the center of attention and make it the star of the show!

When picking your pieces be sure to incorporate texture. Add items that don't seem to match. This trend is epic right now. Match a dressier item, such a sequin top or a light weight chiffon skirt, with a blazer or edgier boot as seen below on Gwyneth Paltrow. Her amped-up boots are obviously the main attraction! Get her sexy combat boot look with our Vancouver boot by Sam Edelman.

No need to match your belt with your pumps. No need to wear only complementary colors. Take a look at my fave "mix-n-match" runway Fall 2010 looks [courtesy of Harper's Bazaar]. These looks illustrate color remixing, the pairing of items of various textures, layering and the dominance of a muted color palette.

How does one style a "statement piece"?  How much is too much? You decide! Exercise your own judgment. I believe that fashion has no rules. Adorn yourself with fur (faux fur if you prefer), ethnic or Geo prints and texturized tights. Wear what your fashionable heart desires!

Hue tights, Boutique 9 wedge booties, earrings, and Cut N' Paste bag all available at Lori's

The Little White dress

If you are still searching for the perfect LBD, stop: we need to do a little work on your alphabet. What you really need is a LWD. The Little White Dress is summer's new trend. (The little black dress is so – yawn – 2009.) The runways were full of LWDs this February. And with Memorial Day, the unspoken nod to wearing white, behind us, you have no excuse. Envelope yourself in this summer's clean and crisp look. (We'll extend the invitation to your creams and ivories of course.) We like the idea of looking edgy in the color of innocence.

InStyle gave avant-garde suggestions for sprucing up your summer look from colorful clutches and metallic bangles to black jackets and super sexy heels. Since we assume you're not sullying your new white look with bare feet, we put together a few shoe recommendations. Below are our must-have summer shoes if you plan to step out in your LWD in style and for less.


Calvin Klein Karissa in black is easily transferable from day to night. From office wear (on a casual-but-not-so-casual Friday) or a business lunch with a fitted black jacket over LWD to chunky necklace and bangles for drinks and celebrations.

Boutique 9 Thomsina in light natural is the perfect mate to a white mini dress. Whether you are blessed with model legs or not, nude heels are a miracle. The nude shoe provides a bit of trompe l'oeil – it fools your gaze (read: men's stares) into the illusion of long, lean legs ... whether or not you got the gams.

Poetic License Dazzling in yellow is a daring pump for the traditional girl who likes all eyes on her shoes. With a bold matching belt, you could work this look into a darling pixie, quirky professional or daring artiste. The bold colors with ribbons and gems will blaze forth with the LWD as a perfect neutral background.

Whatever look you prefer with your LWD, remember proper undergarments are a must. We don't want to have any secrets exposed do we?  After all, we want them starring at your accessories, not your ... assets.


 

Clash of the Titans?

The trends of Summer '09 are back with a made-to-order twist. Fringes, embellishment, fabric, buckles and booties ...are now conveniently located on your favorite new ancient sandal style. That's right: gladiators are back and stronger than ever.

Glads are a Spring must-have for every shoenista. They are comfortable, versatile and stylish. From sundress to casual suits, from day to night, whatever your style for the moment, the day or the foreseeable future, we've got gladiators to pull off your look.

For Spring/Summer 2010 we're rolling back the clock to, oh, say, 45 BC. Caesar's hanging around the Rubicon, those darned Gauls and Germans are acting up (again) and like usual the Appian Way is just a logjam at rush hour. Italian-made gladiator boots like the Janet and Janet 25025 (below) are perfect for urban trendsetters or the Praetorian Guard.

Not all of us are ready for a scrap; some of us are lovers. Like most art forms Roman, the original is Greek. We're happy Sam Edelman can channel this with the Damian (left) and Hazel. It's Clash of the Titans meets Sex in the City with Sam's jewel-embellished gladiator booties. Expect forward top detail like steel loops, crystal grommets, side buckles and polished stones. Try it by day with a casual suit or by night with skinny jeans and sequin top (of course, always fetching with an easy, everyday chiton).

Some of us are just a tad more patrician. For the Senatorial class, we've got Glammed Glads for shiny, classic, powerful fun. Boutique 9's Promised is an example of a classic thin, super-strapped glad.  Even with zipper hardware and metallic shine, it is a cool Spring sandal, perfect for a trip to the Aegean.  Spark up a basic black dress, but be sure not to overpower the shoe with accessories.  Let the Promised be your statement piece.

We all know if it's not about bread, it's about circuses. So send in the clowns! Colorful, bold and sassy gladiators have fringes and rich hues. This is what makes Industry SLS10-81GB so hot. Need we say more? Yes? OK! This Spring is all about colors: bold, rich and bright. Add a little fringe, some fabric and voilà: a boho-chic piece.  Mix and match with other bold colors for pop or pair with a neutral outfit to make your shoe the star of the show.

Those Romans. Always incorporating from the countries they conquered! Especially those pesky Germanic tribes. Put some rebel in your gladiator look with this recipe: scarlet red lipstick, harem pants, Rachel Roy draped harem tank and Goth Glads. Very Gypsy, very Euro for our risk taker fashionistas. Dolce Vita Neve are studded, zipped and slimming for any foot.

 So: what Style are you?

Poll! Gianna by Boutique 9

Does This Make You Glad or A-Greaved? Boutique 9's Gianna tackles the Roman sandal trend.

One of the trends we're looking at is a continuation of the gladiator look of Spring 2008. Whereas last year's re-introduction of the style stayed true to the classic look of the form – a strappy-strappy thong bound about the foot and up the ankle – this year's models tweak convention to give the sandal a more sleek, contemporary feel.

Boutique 9's Gianna addresses the basics, then abstracts them: buckles along the outsole bind the foot from toes to ankles, giving the sandal a functional vibe. The all-leather construction is perfect for a trip to the Forum. Straps, however, have been filled-in, replaced with a wide top greave. Cutouts here reference straps without actually binding anything. The full heelcup has a zipper, making them easy to get into and out of.

Is it a good look? Take our poll and let us know!