Showing posts with label flats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flats. Show all posts

March 7, 2016

MOMIFORM MONDAY: STYLING YOUR FLATS WITHOUT LOOKING STUMPY










OUTFIT DETAILS:  TEE  |  SIMILAR JACKET  |  LEGGINGS (non maternity)  |  SIMILAR FLATS  |  BAG  |  NECKLACE c/o RUE GEMBON  |  DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH 

Here's the deal. Everyone knows that everyone looks better in high heels...it's just reality. They make you stand taller, make your legs look longer and leaner, and are just all around sexier. But for a lot of women, especially moms, heels on a daily basis are not practical. So let's talk today about how to wear flats without looking stumpy, and which flats to choose that will make your legs look amazing.

There are about ten million options of flats out there right now, so how do you choose? You have to remember that not all flats are created equal, and even though one is just as flat as the other, they do not all flatter your body in the same way.

WHICH FLATS? The most flattering pairs will be the ones that show the most foot because it will elongate your leg. If you have short legs or wide ankles, do not wear t-strap or ankle strap flats (like these or these). The line up your foot or across your ankle instantly makes you look shorter.  Also if you have short legs, avoid round toe flats. Instead, choose flats with an almond toe or a pointed toe.

There are some that are cut way down to reveal "toe cleavage," and some that are cut higher up on your foot. The lower the cut, the longer your leg will look.

SHOW SOME LEG, OR AT LEAST SOME ANKLE. There are a lot of trendy flats right now that are beyond the basic flat -- like lace-ups, loafers, and d'orsay's. These are some of my favorites, especially since they amp up any basic momiform, but since none of these styles reveal the top of your foot (which elongates your leg), you have to show it off other ways. Wear a cropped pant, wear them with shorts or a skirt, or just cuff your jeans so you can see a few inches of ankle. These little tricks instantly lengthen your legs and keep you from looking stumpy.

CHOOSE SKINNY PANTS: You don't have to wear skinny jeans (although those are usually my top choice) -- a cropped cigarette pant or a pair of faux leather leggings (like I'm wearing here) are both good options that will elongate your legs and keep you looking tall and thin even without a heel. Wide leg pants or flared jeans with flats are just asking for stumpiness, so stick with shoes with a heel or wedge when wearing those styles.

WHAT ABOUT SNEAKERS? You guys probably know by now how obsessed I am by the sneaker trend. Obviously these are a little different because they cover up your entire foot. The same skinny pant and showing off your legs/ankles rules apply, but there are a few other tricks to help elongate your legs when wearing these sneakers.

One, choose slim sneakers. Athletic sneakers are super trendy, but many of them, like these or these, are pretty wide across. If you're already short, leave those styles to the super tall girls. Instead, choose more casual sneakers, like slip ons or these slim lace ups.  Two, be strategic about lacing them. Make sure they're pulled tightest up near the toe, then looser as you get toward the tongue. I also think that not tying the laces in a bow gives it a sleeker, slimmer look. I knot them at the top, and then tuck the laces in between the shoe and the tongue (so they don't slip underneath my feet and bother me when I walk).

So rock those flats -- just rock them the right way so you avoid stumpy looking legs. You can do it!

August 1, 2014

BACK TO SCHOOL STYLE: PREPPY






photos by sara walk

forever 21 shirt (similar)
forever 21 sweater (similar)
kate spade watch (on sale!)

With the beginning of school only weeks away, I'm starting to get into back to school prep mode. Although I'm not going back to school (thank goodness those days are behind me), my four year old is and as always, I love all the preparation -- the new clothes, the school supplies, the new lunchbox...it's all so nostalgic and fun for me. I mean, who wouldn't want a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils (for any You've Got Mail fans out there)?

So although I'm not going back to school, I've teamed up with DSW this month to share a few back to school essentials for those of you who are heading back to class, or just want to pick up a few new things for Fall, and to do another fun #DSWShoeHookup giveaway! I love DSW because they have amazing designer shoes (shoes for women, kids shoes, and even great men's shoes) at even more amazing prices, and they have a sweet rewards program that allows you to earn points with every purchase that go toward DSW gift certificates so you can buy....more shoes, obviously. A win-win solution in my book.

Leopard print is so huge right now, and Sperry's have been on my shoe wish list for ages, so the two combined in these shoes made the decision a no brainer. Plus, as much as I love a heel (or even a wedge), flats are an essential for school. I combined them with a preppy layered gingham and sweater combination for an easy and comfortable school day, and then threw in a statement necklace and a leather backpack to complete the look.

There are so many other great shoes at DSW right now -- I could hardly narrow my favorites down! But here are a few of my favorites that would be perfect for other preppy back to school looks. Click the images below to shop them, and watch for another back to class look next week, plus a fun contest to win some shoes!







a big thank you to DSW for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. 
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