Step Into Fall

Sooooo, if I haven’t made my love for fall fashion clear enough yet, today is the day. I’m taking on fall footwear–which is where love turns to pure obsession. You see, there’s this small corner of the fashion world where all magical things come true; where leather meets gold meets sequins meets basically anything you could possibly imagine if you look hard enough. Some call it a shoe department. I call it my happy place.

I know what you’re thinking–how original, a woman that loves shoes. But truth be told, I find nothing more crucial in an outfit than the shoe selection. You can have on a $25,000 outfit, but if you put on the wrong footwear I want nothing to do with you it. Footwear is the binding element in a person’s wardrobe, so stop scrimping on the good stuff & start making better decisions. The time is now.

Thus, today I’ve compiled a quick list [with prices & click-through links] of my top ten favorite fall footwear fashions. These are the perfect pieces to add to your closet this season to help finish off those nearly perfect fits with ease. lace up flats

Lace Up Ballet Flats: the perfect day-to-night addition. These flats are chic yet practical for a busy day at the office to a night out with friends. Team them with dresses, denim, pants…they’re limitless. Tip: rock a light mist of bronzer on your feet to make them really pop.

My favorites: here, here & here.

loafers

Loafers: legitimately my biggest weakness this Fall; loafers are the perfect shoe. Truly. They’re feminine & sexy, but structured enough that you can take your Monday meetings by storm, but also have a hot makeout session with your Match.com date later. Tip: always go pointed toe.

My favorites: here & here.

silver oxfords

Oxfords: this season the oxford is on fire. This is the one & only shoe I will allow a client to choose in a metallic hue. Why? Because they’re amazing & your wardrobe will reach new heights with such an interesting choice. Tip: still stay minimal; silver, rose gold, gold & white only.

My favorites: here & here.

dorsay flats

D’Orsay Flats: the perfect outfit companion, d’Orsay flats go with literally everything; denim, pants, skirts, shorts…you name it. & the cut will make you feel sexier than ever. But selecting the right fit & color is the key to nailing this footwear find. For Fall, stick to cranberry, candy apple red, black, grey, taupe, nude, & blush hues. Tip: work them in before wearing them out–nobody likes bloody heels.

My favorites: here & here.

cutout

Cut-Out Booties: take your ankle boot addiction to the next level [what, you don’t have one?] with this season’s style shift. These geometric statements are the best way to draw attention to your stems & feet, without compromising comfort. Tip: watch your leg-to-ankle-ratio; ankle booties can cut you off, so make sure they’re highlighting your thinnest part & not taking away from it.

My favorites: herehere & here.

platform sneakers

Platform Sneakers: I know, you can’t even believe I’m going here right now, but I am. There are some serious competitors out there this season that are subtle, but loud enough to add some pizzaz to your wardrobe. & if executed properly, I say GO FOR IT. Plus, who doesn’t love a middle school throwback? Tip: this look is strictly daytime//casual//fun. Don’t try to turn it into evening wear.

My favorites: here & here.

pumps

The Pump: even with wild fall weather, a sturdy, simple pair of leather pumps is all the doctor ordered. They’re timeless, practical & always make sense on an otherwise busy day//week//life. I usually opt for the most extended pointed toe I can find to elongate my legs. Life tip: have at least one pair of nude & one pair of black pumps on hand, at all times.

My favorites: here & here.

ankle boots

The Ankle Bootie: not to be confused with booty, the ankle bootie is a fall wardrobe staple & has been around since what seems like the dawn of time. However, it’s time to switch it up a bit & not duplicate those black or tan Sam Edelman Petty Boots that we’ve all been sporting for like five years now [no offense Sam, I have like 35 pairs of them, xx]. This fall, throw a leopard print or fringe pair on or purchase the blush pink pair; spice it up somehow to differentiate you from the pack. It’s one thing to love a cut & style of shoe && want to wear the shit out of it for years to come [that’s also a great investment decision], however, keep it fresh & current when given the chance.

My favorites: here & here.

block heel

Heeled Sandals: seems counterintuitive right? But the right strappy sandal [preferable with a block heel] can be the perfect staple to defy the elements of fall. With enough support & leather, just a pop of skin can handle the cooler temperatures without hypothermia or discomfort. But be selective, because rocking a sandal in October means you’ve officially committed to being a fashionista. Now own it.

My favorites: here, here & here.

hunter

The Rain Boot: although I’m truly not the biggest advocate of this trend, I know it exists & it’s important to touch on. The Hunter Rain Boot syndrome–we all have it ladies, so let’s just own it now. But that doesn’t mean we have to have 400 pairs of them. The rain boot is the perfect little cut of PVC piping that allows us to frolic in rainy puddles whenever we please, but it deserves to be styled properly, as well. Team yours with a great pair of denim or even some cute leggings & throw some jewelry in the mix. Just promise me you won’t go to dinner in this fit unless you live in Oregon or somewhere equally as wet. Rain boots are for rain, babes. Not sprinkles. Rain.

My favorites: here & here.

Fall weather doesn’t mean you have to compromise your cute outfit selections, it just means you have to get a little more creative & think outside of the box. The most essential part of styling an outfit is comfort–if you aren’t feeling your best, you probably aren’t looking your best. Always opt for choices that you believe in & feel great in.

It’s time to start digging your heels into the fall season, ladies. Ah! See what I did there?

Happy Shopping.

Xx.

Forget That. Get This.

After finishing up my past few consults & conversing with my clients about their major needs//wants out of this industry, I’ve concluded that people love a good deal. & bargain shopping is at an all time high. As much as we all love designer brands & high-end everything, it’s not realistic for the average human to spend $1,000 on new Jimmy Choo’s or a great handbag. One day. But not every day. So for those other 364, I’ve decided to help a babe out.

Today’s post is for my bargain shoppers who want a great product [or five] without the all the guilt. I’ve selected a few of my favorite 2015 shoes & found [reasonably priced] comparable products that you can purchase instead, without lacking quality. Capiche?

If there’s one thing I want my clients to learn through Lyric, it’s that personal style does not have to cost thousands of dollars; find pieces you love, that work for you & forget the rest. Thus, I’ll be doing a Forget That. Get This. post every month with my favorite bargain finds, to prove that personal style can be incredibly affordable & fun.

Today’s focus: SHOES. Let’s get started.

Forget That: Stuart Wietzman Nudist Single Band Sandals, $398

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Get This: Mossimo’s Pamela Heeled Sandal, $29.99

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Forget That: Sergio Rossi Mermaid Cage Booties, $1,895Screen Shot 2015-03-02 at 1.36.31 PMGet This: Zigi Soho Duran Bootie, $79.95

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Forget That: Pour La Victoire Camila Lace Up Sandals, $265

Screen Shot 2015-03-02 at 1.46.12 PMGet This: Impo Tanny Sandal, $39.95

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Forget That: Joie A La Plage Sable Two Band Sandals, $125

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Get This: Joie Sable Flat Sandal [nearly the same sandal], $64.95

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Forget That: Joie Dalton Suede Booties, $325

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Get This: Crown Vintage Rita Booties, $39.95

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Forget That: Derek Lam 10 Crosby Campbell Wedge Sandal, $295

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Get This: Crown Vintage Rebecca Wedge Sandal, $39.95

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Clearly these are very small examples of a much larger concept; seek & you shall find. In this case however, ask me & I’ll seek for you; if you have any questions about a specific product & are on the hunt for a similar but price friendly version, shoot me an email [see contact tab for details] & I’m more than happy to help!

Happy Hunting, babes. & remember, don’t just buy it because it’s designer.

Xx.

Falling

Phew! What a wild July I had. Yikes. However, I’m back & beyond ready to break down one of my FAVORITE seasons for my dazed & confused fashionistas. As much as I love me a great bikini & some major vitamin D, I’m longing for knit sweaters, leather boots & pumpkin spice lattes. Like now.

To prepare for the upcoming season I’ve picked my favorite Fall 2014 pieces that you’ll want to have in full rotation once the Summer temperatures give. Some of these looks are F/W 2015 runway inspired, but most are from my vault of Fall classics because let’s be real, Autumn is at the very least always all about layers, boots & a great jacket.

Let’s go.

wool

Bah Bah Black Sheep: this Fall we’re going to see some of the heaviest wool knits to ever grace the industry. From a thick waffle stitch, to wool socks & [my personal favorite] pullovers, this season is all about comfort. Some people do however find wool too itchy on the skin, with which I’d suggest layering it over a soft lace or nylon fabric or opting out entirely for a heavy cotton or poly-blend. You may find a lack in quality, but your skin will definitely thank you.

Image by Anna Maria Zunino Noellert - ANNAMARIAFOTOGRAF.com

Flashbacks: another fun additive to the coming season are the 70s inspired jackets hitting runways & stores. Big, double breasted, flat collared, & multi-fabric designs are just a few of the styles I’ve been seeing & loving. Lest we not forget the ever-famous moto jacket [such as Free People’s amazing selections: here]. These lighter-weight jackets are perfect for this transitional season into Winter & add a sexy//rocker//chic feel to any outfit.

psych dress

Psychedelic: the one curious & really interesting trend I’ve seen are the new competitor to floral prints titled “trippy prints”. These bright, geometric, multicolored fabrics are packing serious punch this Fall, but are not for the faint of heart. The major styling secret behind nailing this trend is “less is more”; pair a wildly printed top with a muted bottom & vice versa. Runway to real way can be tricky, so be selective with this one.

long vest

Invested: one of my absolute favorite styles making headway this Fall are long vests & layering pieces. They are perfect in place of an old blazer & add a great tailored detail to any outfit. I recommend teaming them with a great trouser, over a printed dress or even used as a bulking layer under a winter jacket. This small touch adds sophistication & class to any look.

wide leg

Wider the Better: all trends seem to circulate, often taking only a few seasons to make their way back to you. & this Fall is no different, as wide legged pants & denim are back in full force. My favorite colors being blush, taupe, true blue & black, these effortless pants will have you seriously shaming the skinny jean crowd this season.

a line

Get an A: my last [but absolutely not least] favorite style taking names in the coming season are A-line dresses. These seemingly mod, but multi-bodytype-friendly shapes are absolutely perfect for anyone [what?!]. Truth. The shape is flattering on nearly any body or size & can be paired with tights, boots, or even a sexy heel. My only recommendation: watch your prints. Choosing the right color & pattern is everything to perfecting this wardrobe staple.

As promised in Lyric’s mission statement, I will never lead my [blog] followers &/or clients astray. Fashion is meant for everyone, but style is very much personal. This Fall seems incredibly promising as far as styles & versatility are concerned, but should you have any questions about your own personal style feel free to drop me a line & let’s chat! I’m always willing to write a post on a topic that you’re interested in or answer any fashion questions you may have! You can email me at: Dena@styledbylyric.com or use the comment option below.

Happy Layering, megababes. Xx.

Foot Fetish

blocked

The shoe game is strong this Spring & I want to help break down what styles work for what body types & why. You may love caged gladiator sandals or block heeled wedges, but these styles flatter particular parts of the body & may not be fit for you. I’m going to showcase some of Fashion Week’s biggest sandal trends of 2014 & help you decide which footwear you want to rock the next two seasons.

Gladiators

  • Avoid knee length gladiators unless you are 5’10 with thin, model legs. If this look does in fact work for your figure, then opt for lightly detailed ones, in the neutral colored family.
  • For those unable to enjoy this style, shop for a great, short gladiator sandal with thin straps along the ankle. These straps will help elongate the body & prevent thickening of the legs.
  • The best gladiator style for thick legs is that with a heel, as this makes the legs appear longer.
  • Avoid wide straps around the ankle, regardless of the shape of your legs, as this will cut you off at your thinnest point, making any leg look stumpy.

Block Heels

  • I am absolutely obsessed with this look; a block heel is great for women with large calves, as it helps balance out the size of the legs.
  • Height is everything with this style; be sure to choose a heel that is feasible for your lifestyle.
  • A block heel can come in dozens of shapes & prints, but don’t fear a bold color. Drawing attention to the lowest part of the body means less attention on other parts you’d prefer unseen.

Single Strap Stiletto

  • The simplicity of this look can make any women incredibly sexy & feminine, but color is everything. Opting for a nude is ideal, as any shoe in a nude hue elongates the legs [& who doesn’t want longer looking stems?]
  • The day-to-night versatility of this look is so freeing & fresh, who doesn’t love accessible fashion?
  • This style is meant for women with thin, narrow feet, as this shoe is incredibly minimal & leaves little to the imagination.

If possible, try to select shoes with comparable metals as the jewelry you are wearing. Sounds a little over the top, but I, personally, find mixing gold jewelry with silver hardware a bit distracting [to each their own]. Lastly, I always remind my clients that flip flops are meant for the beach & if you are willing to take the time on the top half of your outfit, then do the same for your footwear. Your feet will thank you, as will your wardrobe & all of those eyeing your gorgeous Spring & Summer fits this year. I promise. Xx.

make the shoe fit

shoes

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about shoes lately & wanted to address a few key rules to this seemingly confusing area of the fashion world. So here goes…

Round Toe: a round toe shoe [also known as an “almond toe”] gives a much more classic feel to an outfit. Whether it be a cute mary jane or a great pump, round toe shoes are well-suited for those with long, lean legs. This style of shoe is also ideal for those with larger feet, as it makes the feet appear small & more compact.

Pointed toe: a pointed toe shoe adds a more tailored feel to an outfit. Versatility is the name of the game with this style of heel, flat or bootie. The look is perfect from day-to-night & works best for women with short, thick legs, as it elongates the thinnest part of the limb [even more so in nude & cream tones].

As for color requirements- there really are none! Shoes are the most unique part of a wardrobe, as they allow for freedom & creativity to help elevate an entire outfit. There’s nothing more exciting than wearing a simple LBD with a fantastically vibrant pump or boot to make heads spin. The most important element of personal style is choosing items that YOU like, not what the pushy sales person says you should like. Just remember that fit is everything & the rest is yours to decide. If only everything in life were this liberating!

Happy hunting. Xx.