FLAT Out Over It.

Vintage Necklace

REFORMATION- 'Helen' Top

REFORMATION- 'Bowie' Pant

STEVE MADDEN- 'Erosion' Flat

I cannot help myself but feel a ping of guilt every time I think of the state of the lower part of my closet; the part that holds my collection of shoes. It is not because I am ashamed of the style of shoes lining the floor of my closet or because I have too little or too many. The reason my conscience is speaking to me is because of the number of heels I have that I DO NOT wear. While I feel contented with the very practical Nike runners, my Hunter rain boots, and my Vans slip-ons, there are also about 5-10 pairs of heels that I have only worn once or twice. All that money, all that style wasted! Why? Because, for f*** sakes they are NOT practical.  The reasons for this are best presented in a list that I like to call ‘Why I despise wearing heels on daily basis, despite how ‘pretty’ they are:” 

1.     How they make me walk like a dog with shoes on for the first time.

2.     The ones that look the best are ALWAYS the highest and most uncomfortable heels at the store.

3.     They are so unbelievably uncomfortable! I swear they design them with the narrowest and thinnest little Italian woman’s feet in mind.

4.     They make me saunter rather than walk, like everyday is a Sunday. No, in my opinion, slow and steady does not win the race.  

5.     How as soon as I walk on grass they are ruined.

6.     They make me taller than the guys in the room! I don’t know about you but I hate feeling like a woman Cyclops.

7.     How they make it really difficult to drive a car.

8.     How heels are such a tease. They make me want to wear them (because they look gorgeous and make me feel great), then they make me want to take them off (because they hurt) and THEN when I gain up the courage to put them back on again I can’t because my feet have blown up to be twice the size.

However, I find some comfort in the fact that I am not the only one burdened by this problem. After looking through female friends’ and family members’ closest (is that creepy?…lets just call it ‘research’) I have found the same epidemic; wasted money on a plethora of high heels.

But have no fear ladies your next shoe purchase can be on trend, comfortable and breathtakingly sharp. This spring/summer season FLATS have gotten a creative makeover and look really innovative and edgy. One thing is for sure is that this trend will not contribute to the island of long lost shoes that is your closet.

The rule for riding low this year is all about a trim and thin silhouette with a subtle point. Some styles are really fun with coloring blocking, patterns, buckles, and laces. This shoe can really take an outfit to the next level. In this shoot at LACMA, I am wearing a pair called ‘Erosion’ by Steve Madden. I also love this pair from ASOS.com and this pair from Aldo.

The Hat Wearer's Dilemma

J BRAND- Jake Boyfriend Jean 

  

QUAY AUSTRALIA- ‘About Last Night’ sunnies

ZARA- Boyfriend-fit Shirt, similar here 

BRIXTON- Fedora, similar here

REBECCA MINKOFF- Sandals, similar here

NIXON- watch, The 'Facet'

ALEXANDER WANG- 'Rockie'

There is no denying the sartorial power of a decent hat…or topper, cap, fedora, toque, or beret. When you really think about it a hat’s roles, in the lives that choose to fashion them, are countless. There are times when it plays a protector (against the sun), a best friend (when holding your hair back), or a savior (when the grease gets unruly and a shower is just not part of the agenda).  

However, despite the great utility of a hat, there seems to be hesitancy to wear them among the general public, especially woman. This concept intrigued me because a hat can really make a statement. But maybe that is just it…a hat makes a statement. It is to holler that you are the type of person who knows how to wear a hat, or the type that makes a topper customary. This argument can be fine-tuned by the perspective/stereotype that when one wears a hat you look…well, like an asshole. But, I think the reason why hat-wearers come off this way is because wearing a hat takes a certain amount of confidence; enough at least, to fashion a silhouette that is a little different from your peers.  But let me clarify that there is definitely nothing wrong with this. Exhibiting your confidence is exactly what you should do if it comes naturally, from a genuine place, and is not used to make others feel of lesser importance.

In the interest of imitating the hat-wearers confidence in order to possibly accrue some of your own, I have styled an adaptable easy-going look with the very hat that inspired this post.

Please enjoy and lord almighty…fashion a hat why don’t you?

I also want to end this post with a little note to commemorate my Grandmother who passed away this weekend. She was a little firecracker who inspired my willingness to create a unique style. I will always remember the weighty layers of diamonds, silver and gold around her petite wrists and collar on a daily basis and her flashy heels adorned with metallic cord and bright colors. Thank you, Grandma for inspiring us with your vivacious energy and for encouraging me to follow my dreams. I love you.