Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hump Day Highlights #7

     A Sports Meeting: An Ode to my Ladies in Sports 
It was such an inspiring moment to be in a Monday morning meeting and look around the room and find nothing but women.  As we sat there discussing the future of sports and marketing strategies I had to digest the growth we have had over these last few decades.  We have a list of trailblazers that made it possible for us to be in this meeting shaping the look of sports at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

I felt honored, inspired, reassured, and humbled.  This is an awesome time to be a woman in sports as the playing field is growing more and more leveled.  We have more female sports broadcasters, sport show producers, athletic directors, and the list goes on.  We must continue to prove that it is okay to "play like a girl!"  I constantly remind myself that I must work extra hard and maintain my integrity so the next generation of women can coach an NBA team or have ownership of a NFL team...oh wait the Williams' sisters are already doing that huh?  Ladies we are on our way!    

                           Save vs. Splurge
Yes oh yes the Espadrille is back with a vengeance and don’t worry ladies these are NOT your mother’s espadrilles circa 1982.  Often people confuse what an “espadrille” is, is it a wedge…is a wedge an espadrille??  Yes and No!  A wedge is a type of shoe—so if you see an espadrille with a wedge bottom than it is an espadrille, but some espadrilles are flat, thus not yielding them to be included EXCLUSIVELY in the wedge family.  The traditional espadrille is made with a wiry synthetic or natural fiber that resembles rope, but our two featured designers have taken the espadrille look and put their own fabulous spin on it.

Save:

The save shoe is by Enzo Angiolini and I absolutely love it for its natural, yet fashionable appeal. 

Shoe Deets:

·         This shoe is called Ramie
·         It was originally priced at $110, but you can presently buy it for $71.53 Zappos.com
·         It also comes in a Pewter color—but I am not super stoked about it.
·         The heel height is 4 ¼ in
·         The platform height is 1 ¼ in

How to wear it:

Work:

I love this shoe because it will look fabulous on just about every body type and height (I would suggest being at least 5’0” though lol)  I think because the shoe has that casual material & look it wouldn’t be appropriate for a business attire environment UNLESS your office offers casual Friday.  This shoe would be perfect for the casual nod—you still look put together, but you know how to be casually cute!  I envision this shoe with a  button down dress, hitting right above the knee with a slight a line flair to it in white, green, tan, or maybe a CALM floral pattern.  If you decide to go with a button down dress limit your jewelry to a nice simple ring & maybe a good metal watch (Gold or Rose Gold would be beautiful)!!  If you go with a calm floral pattern I think a 3-tiered simple gold rope necklace  would be beautiful.

Date:

If you’ve got hot legs show em!!!  I think this shoe would look perfect with a nice pair of high-waist culotte shorts!  It would look AMAZING for you long legged gals!  Tuck in a tee and throw on some glam earth-tone colored jewelry and you will leave him thirsty for more.  I think this look also calls for bronzer…please don’t go Jerseylicious on me—but that nice sun-kissed glow will tie the look together.

Brunch with the girls:

I can see this shoe with some wide leg jeans and a crisp white halter button up.  A braided colored belt, maybe coral or turquoise, would be fabulous!  I would love to see gold hoops & high bun/ponytail with this look.

*I am strongly considering purchasing these shoes soooo I will probably recreate some of these styles and add pics later! *

Splurge:

The splurge shoe is by Jimmy Choo and is just as adorable as it wants to be.

Shoe Deets:

·         This shoe is called Patriot Pat
·         It is priced at $495 and you can buy it at one of my favorite retailers  Nordy!
·         It has a patent leather upper w/a leather lining
·         The heel height is 4 ¾  in
·         The platform height is 1 ½ in


How to wear it:

Work:

This shoe would look FAB with a  coral sheath pencil dress—exposed zipper is a bonus!  I am thinking a shorter gold necklace with an interesting looping shape…think thick squares or stones linked together.  I would probably do a ring over a bracelet—it is so annoying to me at work to have my bracelets constantly jingling & clicking. 

Date:

Think summer nights in NY…navy cigarette pants with a  silk rose pink halter—extremely low back, so HAUTE right, I know *FLIPS HAIR*!   I would love to see a Chanel 2.55 bag in cream on the shoulder.  For jewelry I say glam earrings & the hair up in a soft, messy ball.  Go light on the make-up, this isn’t the time to BEAT your face.  I am thinking pinkish blush…a pinkish nude lip, a little highlight under the brow and that’s all.  Very, very sweet with a sexy twist!

Brunch:

This brunch would have to be pretty fancy to strut up with patent leather espadrilles before noon, so with that preface let’s begin!  I  imagine a sea foam green peasant dress with off the shoulder cap sleeves.  A little cinching at the waist with a loosely pleated A-Line skirt hitting above the knee.  I like simple jewelry for this look, traditional Tiffany & Co toggle set or a nice pearl set.  What’s that you say…you want to wear your big sun hat, sure bring that along as well!!

Ciao

-Vykky

Thursday, July 7, 2011

The Day after HumpDay Highlights...Yeah that will work!

I know I know..I am a day late...but since it is my blog I can do what I want Ha  lol

As a heel lover it pains me to admit that some of the shoes I wear HURT MY FEET!!! I mean from start to finish…just plain ole uncomfortable, but we do it for the girls to be envious & the boys to admire us!  In my current position at Disney I pretty much sit at my computer all day and do my awesome marketing job, but on rare occasions I have to go over to the complex.  One time I was totally caught off guard and had to go over for a meeting.  I wore one of my FAVORITE pair of H by Halston for Bakers Shoes.  It was about 95 degrees outside and I had on a sheath dress with a  nautical twill blazer.  Needless to say I was DRIPPING with sweat & my feet were crying for freedom. 

I was soo unprepared and had no flats in my purse.  Once we arrived at the meeting we stood for at least 30mins talking (ouch, ouch) cries my feet! Lol Well, since then, you can always find a pair of flats at my desk, in my car or in my purse. 

The save & splurge shoes for this post are a homage to the flats…often overlooked & regarded as a cop out for women not willing to strut in 5in platforms.  When in fact a flat can be gorgeous, fashion forward, and most importantly comfortable.

Save:

The save shoe is from Charlotte Russe.  Although I think one should stop shopping here for the majority of their wardrobe by high school I think when you are looking for a quick fix or an expensive addition have at it. 
 
Here are some deets on the shoe:

·         This shoe doesn't really have a name, its labeled as a Faux-Snakeskin Thong Sandal
·         it retails for $22.50 
·         It comes in 2 different colors (black and white). 

You can buy the shoe here Charlotte Russe Snakeskin Flat

If you go quickly Charlotte Russe has a BOGO for $15 special, but be careful with the “I BUY IT IN EVERY COLOR” deal—that’s not cute.   

How to wear it:

Work:

I adore this sandal because it is nice to look at, but not distracting.  That is my mantra for selecting work appropriate shoes.  Because this shoe exposes your foot I would stay away from wide leg pants because it could look like you don’t have any shoes on at all.  I would suggest a nice coral cap sleeve dress if your skin is sun-kissed and golden!  Don’t worry my fair-skinistas because this flat would look awesome with a navy cap sleeve dress as well.  I would either find a dress with nice structured hardware (square or round metal buttons) or without any hardware at all.  If you find the latter a solid skinny belt at the waist will add the flair of professionalism that you are missing with such a casual shoe.  A nice pearl set will tie this look together well.

Date:

Okay my preface for wearing this shoe on a date is NOT ON THE FIRST DATE!!  The ONLY exception to this is that it is during the day and you guys are going to do LOTS of walking because a wedge or espadrille will carry you a long way.  If you must wear this shoe on a date I would suggest looking extra sweet!  I imagine an A-LINE halter in the warm color family, a few of my favorite colors are sea foam green, coral, or white.  The material should be a linen, light cotton, gauze (maybe) think easy, flowy, and effortless!  I would take a cardigan just in case the date goes into the night (woot woot 4 u)!   

Brunch with Girls:

This is the perfect casual shoe for brunch with the girls.  There are COUNTLESS outfits that I could suggest.  My heart is set on a romper!  I love them, for the most part they are flattering on every body type as long as you get the RIGHT SIZE!  Find a nicely patterned romper & some wooden & gold bangles.   

Splurge:

The splurge shoe is by Stuart Weitzman



Here are some deets on the shoe:

·         The shoe is called “Tricity”
·         It is made in Spain of Italian material
·         It was originally priced at $298, but currently discounted to $199 at Neiman Marcus

You can buy the shoe here Stuart Weitzman Tricity

That may not be splurge price in regards to our traditional splurge shoe, but for a sandal I never really understand paying hundreds of dollars for them ESPECIALLY when you live in an area where you get all four seasons.  Now that I am in Florida I may consider spending a little extra on sandals, but in NC no way! 

How to wear it:

Work:

Although this shoe is nice it has an older, trendy look to it.  You know, the manager in her 30s that still has an affection for fashion and the means to support it?  I would dress her in colorful knee length A-Line skirt and a simple button up shirt.  If the skirt & shirt are both solid color pieces a decent size staple necklace is appropriate, with small studs and hopefully her wedding ring! 

Date:



Brunch with Girls:

I think wearing some nice linen wide leg pants (your choice in color none could really go TOO wrong) and a tank top with a jean jacket would be cool.  Layer a few rope chains and throw on some big face shades with your oversized bag and off to Briggs you go (hometown shout out) delicious food go see them Brigs Restaurant

NFL/NBA Lockout

Months ago I put my stance down on the lockout—now the NBA has joined in with the lockout.  Again, I say these athletes are abusing their bodies every time they play and each game they play could be their last.  I say high risk—high reward.  More importantly, don’t forget about the people who fill the stadiums, buy the jerseys and foam fingers, the people that pay THE SALARIES—the fans!  I found a blog post that really touched my heart about why the fans should be the reason the lockout ends.  Check it out—and grab some tissues! Fans First!

I am proud to be AmeriAKAn (skee wee)

Since the 4th of July was this past Monday I thought it would be cool to write about the 4th, but also tie in sports.  one of my fellow interns named Bobby at the ESPN Wide World of Sports suggested that I feature the MLB Stars and Stripes special edition hats on my blog.  


The NY Yankees hat is my favorite, but I can’t tell my nanny (grandma) that she is a hardcore Mets fan!
These hats are $36.99 before tax and are pretty cool.  You can purchase them here Stars & Stripes.  

Make sure you check out Bobby’s blog, he is discussing sports from an unfiltered standpoint with facts to back it up.  He is pretty hilarious & is serious about his sports, follow Bobby’s blog Real Talk, From Outta Left Field or on twitter Bobby Cash!


Last thing guys…I picked up a part-time gig with Sephora, I predict more make up posts in the near future!

Xoxo,

Vykky