General Fashion


Flat sandals for summer 2015

flat sandals for summer 2015

Flat Sandals for summer 2015 from top left:  blue sandals / ivory sandals / cognac sandals / spa sandals

Flat sandals are a staple in every summer wardrobe. They are easy to walk in, cool on hot summer days, and reflect trends from the runways in Paris, Milan, New York, and London. Love that!

This summer season, flat sandals are reflecting several runway trends which have proved to be hot on the street. The main trends in flat sandals for summer 2015 include:

Spa Sandals: The spa sandal is a huge trend this summer 2015 season. The spa sandal evokes the comfortable, relaxed vibe one feels after a day at the spa. The iconic spa sandal offers two large straps which criss-cross over the top of the foot. There is no back strap or heel on a spa sandal. Since this sandal type does not offer a lot of support for walking, look for thick footbeds, like the spa sandal pictured above, as well as cushioning. This will add a little bit of substance to the shoe, and make it comfortable for walking on a warm summer day.

Gladiator sandals: This trend will not go away! Gladiator sandals seem to fade in and out of style every few seasons. With the boho trend, and 1970’s trend, in full effect, the gladiator sandal has taken front and center as a huge trend in sandals for summer 2015. Although this style is available in heels, wedges, and flats, the flat sandal style is the most flattering style on one’s legs; and let’s face it, the easiest to walk in! Look for neutral colors or black.

Classic kids sandals: Remember in third grade when your Mom bought you a pair of purple sandals with an ankle strap and one thick strap of leather over the top of your foot? Your best friend has them in orange, and the girl who sat in the front of the classroom had them in brown. Well, they are back! This time, for adults. Look for this style in bi-colors, neutrals, shade of white, and black. Love this pair.

Birkenstocks: Did you think they went away? Nope! Birkenstocks are still hot on the street for summer 2015. This boho shoe style not only fits into the boho trend and 1970’s trend, it also fits into the 90’s trend which is still lingering in the background. Let’s face it, us GenXer’s lived in Birkenstocks in high school and college, while Pearl Jam blared on our stereos. Although often associated with boho-chic, Birkenstocks evoke a nostalgic feeling for those of use who came of age in 90’s. Look for new fabrications, colors, and metallics to spice up your summer wardrobe.

Overall, flat sandals for summer 2015 are offering comfortable styles, boho lines, neutral colors, and a little bit of sass to the warm weather season. What is your favorite style of flat sandals for summer 2015?

Flat sandals for summer 2015:


Chloe Drew small handbag review

chloe drew shoulder bag outfit idea bloggerchloe drew small shoulder bag handbag reviewchloe drew small handbag interior capacityhow does the chloe drew clasp workchloe drew handbag bloggerPictured: Chloe Drew size small, off-white / Tom Ford Lipstick / iPhone case /Top photo outfit details here / Bottom photo outfit details here

The Chloe Drew shoulder bag has turned into one of the hottest bags of the year. The mini size, and small size, have taken the street by storm. The Chloe Drew is being spotted on everyone from magazine editors to celebrities to style bloggers to socialites, and more!

There is a lot going for the Chloe Drew, which is what makes it so popular. This beautiful handbag is made from soft, pebbled leather (Chloe has also made versions in suede and exotic skins), which is strong and high quality. The interior of the handbag is a luxurious suede which is soft yet sturdy. Chloe is known for their exquisite construction, and the Drew is no exception. The Chloe Drew offers even stitching, perfect shape, and the highest end hardware in the handbag market.

At less than $2000 for most styles, the Chloe Drew is also within financial grasp of many Fashionistas. Not that $2000 is affordable by any means, it is considered high-end luxury, but with many designers in the same space as Chloe selling bags for upwards of $5000, the Drew is attractively priced for the market it targets.

The popularity of the Chloe Drew handbag also can be attributed to the current trend towards everything influenced by the 1970’s. The 70’s are a big influence in fashion today, and since the flap style shoulder bag is very of-the-moment, the Chloe Drew fits right into this handbag trend. What sets the Chloe Drew apart from other classic, flap-style shoulder bags is the unique twist and lock clasp, simple yet elegant chain strap, and the connectors that go with it.

The Chloe Drew shoulder bag is currently shown in a mini size, small size, and medium size. I purchased the small size because it can fit my sunglasses case; which is mission-critical! In addition to my sunglasses case, my Chloe Drew can fit my wallet, lipstick, keys, and iPhone with a small space left-over for incidental items my kids tend to hand me when we are out. Kids are good at finding things for parents to hold. 😉

Weight can sometimes be an issue with well-made, luxury handbags which feature a lot of hardware. This is not the case with the small Chloe Drew. It is lightweight and does not pull down on my shoulder. Love that!

The clasp on the Chloe Drew is a new style for me. It features an attached rod which acts like a key. This can be inserted into the clasp and turned in order to lock the handbag shut. I have also found it is easier to just twist the closure with my hand and leave the key dangling. Either method of locking is easy and effective.

I am in love with my Chloe Drew! I wish I had a money tree in my backyard so that I could purchase this beautiful bag in more colors and styles. I have my eye on this suede version for fall.

Measurements:

Mini: 7″ x 7.9″ x 2.8″

Small: 8.3″ x 9.3″ x 3.2″

Medium: 8″ x 11.5″ x 4″

The Chloe Drew handbag is practical, beautiful, well-made, and luxurious. The flap closure is a classic design, yet still on trend with the current 1970’s styles featured on the runways. I rate the Chloe Drew handbag five out of five stars!

Shop the Chloe Drew shoulder bag:


Chunky heels and 70’s platforms for fall 2015

chunky heels and 70s platforms for fall 2015

Pictured from top left: Tan platforms / Multi-colored wood platforms / Grey platforms / Python platforms

They’re baaaa-aaack! Platforms are making a huge comeback as the 1970’s take center-stage for fall 2015 as the most important decade of influence over fashion for the cool weather season. As flare jeans, boho-chic, and long, straight hair return for fall, platforms and chunky heeled shoes take center stage as the “IT” shoe trend of the season.

There are two distinct shoe styles in this fall trend; the chunky heel with a flat sole, and the true, 1970’s platform. Chunky heeled shoes are being shown on sandals, pumps, booties, and boots for the fall 2015 season. Chunky heels are paired with a traditional flat sole, and round toe. This is an easy-to-walk-in version of the 1970’s shoe trend we are seeing hitting the streets from the runways for fall 2015. If you don’t want a broken ankle this fall, this is the ultimate way to rock the 70’s shoe trend. Chunky heels can be found in varying heights ranging from 1″ to 5″ depending on what you want to wear! Love that!

If you are feeling more retro and daring, platforms are back with a vengeance for the fall 2015 season. These vintage-styled shoes will look fierce with flare jeans, midi-skirts, and a-line mini-skirts for fall. Platforms are being shown on pumps, sandals, booties, and boots for fall 2015. Many soles are wooden, or made to look like wood. The color to look for is medium-dark brown. This will give off a true, 1970’s vibe. Groovy!

When it comes to platforms, be ready to practice walking in your shoes! These shoes are not for the faint of heart. If you need to do a lot of walking, or chasing of children, platforms may not be the right shoe for you. It is definitely worth owning one pair, which can be worn to events where you don’t need to walk up hills, or walk long distances. They are the ideal shoe to pair with your flare jeans this fall season! So hip 😉

I found a few fabulous chunky heeled shoes, and platform shoes, for the fall 2015 season and assembled them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! I have my eyes on a few pairs already! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉