The Continuing Adventures of Shoe Girl

Summer Shoe Picks: Festival Edition! Whoa Summer, you’re disappearing quick! My Facebook has been full of Back To School pictures, the weather is trying to change…But before we dive into falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, let me introduce you to a rad “little” business called In Blue Handmade. In Blue Handmade is a local (Asheville, NC) business that makes leather goods – anything from belts and guitar straps to journals and flasks – and they have spent all summer {Read More}

The Continuing Adventures of Shoe Girl

Spring Picks, 2015 Oh Spring, how excited I am for your arrival! A DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) recently opened up nearby and you gave me a reason to check it out…. The store is clean and easy to navigate. Styles are grouped together and easily accessible. There’s a big clearance section in the back. ~ And they also sell handbags, scarves, and jewelry! As soon as I walk in I can tell that this season is all about fun prints {Read More}

The Continuing Adventures of Shoe Girl

Summer Shoe Picks! Afternoon rain showers and warm weather means summer is here! I strolled into Kohl’s recently to find some new season shoe-spiration and was not disappointed.  My only disappointment is that I can’t do a feature on every shoe I saw (well, I’m not totally disappointed by that…)!  There were SO MANY cute options! I was immediately drawn to this “Marsielle” peep toe heel by Elle.  The design is fun and funky but still classy.  The silhouette is {Read More}

Pattern Mash Up 102

Guess who’s still mixing patterns ~ and having fun with it? Me! A wonderful way to reinvent your wardrobe, pairing print with print continues to be fresh and trendy. I recently found this cute, lightweight plaid sweater coat at Cato and couldn’t resist wearing it with a favorite animal print shell. Sharing similar color values, they were a perfect pairing. Some of my other favorite mash-ups of late have included floral on floral, polka dots and plaid, argyle with plaid, {Read More}

The Continuing Adventures of Shoe Girl

Spring is trying to make a move! In between polar vortexes, there have been a few days of gorgeous weather and much needed sunshine. A commercial advertising an “Anniversary Sale” caught my attention; and this month I ventured into Payless Shoes to see what I could score. I waltzed in and discovered a huge focus on black and white color blocking ~ and these Montego Bay Club “Sadie Raffia” wedges. The pattern on the wedge is so fun you’ll hardly {Read More}

If the Glove Fits, Buy It!

Gloves. They are a bygone affectation, a forgotten accessory ~ the overlooked stepsister of scarves and hats. And it’s a shame. Because, in addition to keeping your fingers happy and warm, a pretty pair can actually elevate an outfit. Those of you reading from colder climes probably do own a pair or two ~ leather or woolen, purposefully practical, possibly with a small detail that sets them apart. With recent “polar vortex” action, I bet many of our readers to {Read More}

Ask Ellbee ~ Statement Necklaces

Dear Ellbee, I really like your column! And I really like my statement necklace. Now that the holidays are over, can I wear it with something that’s NOT a party dress? Nina   Dear Nina, Thank you so very much. It is truly my delight. Yes, by all means enjoy your statement necklace with a variety of looks ~ including work and casual wear. Statement necklaces can be a little tricky when paired with a conservative or buttoned-up suit, but {Read More}

I Won’t Give Up the Antlers

Did you have a Merry Christmas? Mine was wonderful. The days leading up to the 25th were a delight, as well ~ largely due to a silly, impulsive purchase I made at Claire’s in early December. For those of you unfamiliar with Claire’s, it’s a small mall boutique targeted to girls and teens, ages 3 and up. If a pink elephant ate a bunch of disco balls, flamingoes, powder puffs, unicorns and Justin Bieber, and then threw up, you’d have {Read More}

Last-Minute New Year’s Magic

Need a little last-minute magic to ring in the New Year? Step into your stand-by “LBD” ~ and little blog will add just the right touch of sparkle! A smoky eye, bright red lips, a light dusting of illuminating powder (like this favorite from Laura Mercier), and a few well-chosen accessories are all you need. Statement necklaces have been huge for the past several seasons. But if you’re still not sure about big, blingy neckwear, let’s put the twinkle on {Read More}

Ask Ellbee ~ Sweaters

Dear Ellbee, I love the comfy feel of a sweater, but always seem to look top-heavy in them.  Any suggestions? Brianna Dear Brianna, Yes, sweaters can be a bit tricky for women with curves (I have them, too). To minimize the bust line, look for a v-neck sweater ~ one that doesn’t dip down too low.  Lightweight knits done in a relatively small gauge are best for curvy girls.  Intarsia designs tend to be on the thick side, so stick {Read More}