c+c Affinity Exposed: Shoe Edition

Ahhh, shoes. What is it about shoes?

These complexion-warming coral- and congac-colored kicks practically beg for a pair of perfectly pedicured toes, don't they?

I hope you enjoy browsing (some of) my footwear collection, though charmingly scuffed some of them may be! And yes, I have an affinity for shoes addiction.

Brands, first photo (from left to right) >> Top: Dolce & Gabbana, Steve Madden, Steve Madden // Middle: Anne Klein, Nine West, Franco Sarto // Second-from-bottom: Sam Edelman, Zara, Steve Madden // Bottom: Michael Kors, Theory, Steve Madden

Weekend Wardrobe: Boating on Lake Michgan

Whatever swim style you choose, there are easy ways to dress up your suit before you head out the door to hit the dock.

What: An afternoon spent boating on breezy Lake Michigan to beat the heat. 

Wear: A delightfully sheer tunic tucked neatly into black denim shorts lends an elegant flare to a neutral-toned bathing suit.

Top, Anthropologie (80% off, on sale!) / Shorts, F21 / Bathing suit, H&M / Sandals, Tory Burch / Sunglasses, RayBan 

My perfect summer afternoon accessory: Leinenkugle's Summer Shandy.

Chicago: Pride-ified

Each June, cities across the globe are transformed by leather, feathers, sequins and tank tops for annual gay pride celebrations. Unfamiliar? Here's three things that will get you up-to-speed, a la TresSugar: 

1. It began in New York City and is now celebrated all over the world.

2. It became more mainstream in the 80's (didn't everything?)

3. Bill Clinton made it official. 

Here in Chicago, we celebrated in style... Obvi.

My modeling muses (in order from top).  
On Michelle: Dress, F21 / Necklace, Target / Hair feather, Sephora / Sunglasses, RayBan // On me: Dress, F21 / Necklace, street vendor / Bag, Aldo // On Kara: Top, hat, accessories, F21 // On Brittany: Hat, earrings, F21 // On Nick: Shorts(!), American Apparel // On Joey: Top, shorts, shoes, Zara // On Laura: Ring, H&M / Nails, Minx / Bracelets, Gap and H&M // On Adam: Top, H&M / Shoes, shorts, Urban Outfitters // On David: Top, H&M / Shorts, belt, Zara // Shoes, TOMS

Look of the Day: Playing with Prints

The Inspiration: WhoWhatWear's June Trend Report: Abstract Prints. These multi-color frocks are a must-buy for several reasons: they're creatively patterned, available in wind-ranging styles and hues, and they're a perfect transitional piece.

 

The Look: When considering a paring of abstract prints, the key to keep in mind is less is more. I'm a firm believer in the bolder the better, but brevity is also important! In styling this trend, I took a bright, airy tunic and tucked it neatly into a high-waisted skirt, finishing the look with blue-hued shoes and accessories.

Tunic, Banana Republic / Skirt, Forever 21 / Shoes, BCBG / Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs